PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS IN PETROL PUMP WORKERS IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the study was to assess the PFT in petrol pump workers who were exposed to petrol and diesel. In addition the effect of the duration of the service at the petrol pumps was also studied and these changes were compared with those of age matched healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprises of 60 petrol pump workers who were categorized into two groups depending on duration of exposure. Thirty healthy ages, non smoker males served as controls. Each subjects age, smoking habits, the duration of exposure and health conditions were recorded. Their PFT were studied at their work place by using computerized spirometer.2010 model parameters of PFT are FVC, TV, FEC, FEV/FC, FEF 25-75%, FEF 75-85%, PEF and MVV. RESULT: Results showed statistically significant decrease in the values of TV, FVC, FEV, FEF 25-75%, FEF 75- 85%, FEV/FC, PEF and MVV in petrol pump workers who have worked for more than 5 years when compared to control group. The result shows statistically decreased in value of TV, FVC, FEV1, FEF 25-75% and MVV in petrol pump workers who have worked for below 5 years when compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Petrol pump workers are continuously exposed to fuel vapours and automobile exhaust. The average duration of daily exposure is about 8 hrs/day. These pollutants affect even other organs in the body. In order to prevent lung damage in petrol pump workers awareness programmes should be conducted and also pre employment check up and periodic medical checkups which include pulmonary function tests should be conducted to detect any lung function impairment at the earliest.