Many studies in the past have documented impaired respiratory function among traffic policemen, attributable to their long term exposure for vehicular emissions like fumes, chemical traces.(1, 2) Respiratory morbidity was more common in people …show more content…
Division of Lung diseases-1978.(16)General physical and systemic examinations were conducted on each subject. Anthropometrical measurements were also carried out. (Height, weight) Lung functions were measured by Spirowin. Before recording of lung functions, satisfactory demonstrations were made to the subjects.
The test is carried out in a well-ventilated spacious room with ambient temperature ranging from 28 – 350C. The test should be performed by well-trained Doctor who is thoroughly familiar with the instrument (Spirowin) and the technique of testing. The study subjects undergoing the tests were well informed about the instrument and the technique of the test by demonstrating the procedure.
Computerized versions of 1.0 Windows 2000 XP based, serial communication spirometer with deskjet printer was used for the study. Using Spirowin, FVC (L), FEV1 (L), FEV1 / FVC ratio, FEF 25 - 75 (L/Sec) and PEFR (L/Sec) were measured and compared among different study …show more content…
In the current study there were minor differences among the study groups in mean weight, height and BMI values. Even though those differences were statistically significant, they appeared to be not very relevant clinically. In this study the absolute and percentage predicted values of FEV1 were higher in control group, compared to traffic police and they have shown gradually decreasing trend with increasing age band which was statistically significant. The mean FVC value and percentage predicted was highest in 21 to 30 age group traffic police and showed gradually declining trend with increasing age band. Like the present study Makwana A. H. et al (8) and Ingle S.T.et al (17) have documented low FEV1 and FVC values among traffic police men than the control groups.
The other pulmonary function parameters like FEV1/FVC, FEF 25-75 and PEFR have also shown gradually declining trend with increasing age group among traffic police. The pulmonary function parameters of the control group was comparable to the 21 to 30 year age group traffic personnel and were significantly higher compared to other two higher age bands. This further emphasizes the strong impact of age and duration of exposure on lung function. Studies by Makwana, A. H., et al.(8) and Ingle,S.T. et al (17) have also documented significantly low PEFR values