Comparative study of dynamic pulmonary function tests in steel factory workers and normal individuals in Ballari

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Original Article

Author Details : Mohammed Jaffer, Aparna A, Tarunnum MN

Volume : 4, Issue : 4, Year : 2017

Article Page : 536-541

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Abstract

Introduction: Ballari is one of the hot spots in mining activity. The Steel plant in the planning Area is favorably situated in regard to the availability of raw-materials required for the development of industries. Nearly around 60 steel and sponge heavy industries are present in and around Ballari.⁽¹⁾ Till now there are very few studies done in India on these populations regarding their respiratory health. So this study may give some insights of the occupational respiratory diseases in steel workers of Ballari.
Objective: To assess the effect of dust exposure on dynamic PFT of steel workers and compare with that of healthy age matched controls.
Materials and Method: Study conducted on 50 male steel workers of age 20-40 years exposed to dust & on age matched controls (50) at VIMS, Ballari. Ethical clearance was taken from the institution before conducting this study. Statistical software: SPSS 21 used. Dynamic PFT’s: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF 25-75 % and PEFR were measured by using RMS Helios 401 spirometer.
Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the level of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC %, FEF_25-75% and PEFR in cases compared to the controls. Among cases 30% of them were suffering from early small airway obstruction & mixed blockage, 76% of them were suffering from restrictive type of COPD severity.
Conclusion: The lowering of all the dynamic PFT’s compared to controls suggested a combination of restrictive & obstructive patterns in their lungs. Reduction in their dynamic lung functions was possibly associated with exposure to dust. Evaluation of the dynamic PFT with paucity of related symptoms of early lung dysfunction constitutes an important feasible and reproducible screening technique. It should be included as a routine in the periodic assessment of steel factory workers as it often uncovers early lung dysfunction even in the asymptomatic state.

Keywords: Spirometry, steel workers, FVC: Forced Vital Capacity, FEV1: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1sec

How to cite : Jaffer M, Aparna A, Tarunnum Mn, Comparative study of dynamic pulmonary function tests in steel factory workers and normal individuals in Ballari. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2017;4(4):536-541

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