Spirometric evaluation of the pulmonary functions in the petrol pump workers of Jaipur city, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Background: With rapid urbanization and economic development, occupational health hazards have grown as one of the major public health challenges. Many groups in the society are at greater risk of developing adverse consequences owing to their working environment, one such group is the petrol pump workers who by virtue of their occupation are continously exposed to the noxious chemical compounds present in gasoline. Hence, this study was undertaken to find out the effects of gasoline vapors on pulmonary function tests among the petrol pump fuel filling attendants working at various petrol pumps of Jaipur city, Rajasthan, India. Methods: Forty non-smokers, non-alcoholic adult males working as petrol pump workers for more than 3 years were considered as the study group. Forty matched healthy males of the institute served as the controls. The Pulmonary functions were assessed using computerized spirometer. Mean±SD values for each parameter were determined for both the study and control groups and compared using an unpaired 't' test. Results: A significant reduction (p<0.05) in FVC, FEV 1 , FEF25-75%, PEFR was found in the study group (Petrol pump workers) as compared to the controls, but the mean values of FEV 1 /FVC (%) were statistically not significant between the two groups. Conclusions: This study concludes that the petrol pump workers are at greater risk to develop pulmonary impairment (predominantly restrictive pattern of lung disease) with time and also, sensitizes for the need of medical surveillance and implementation of occupational safety programs to prevent work-related morbidities.

The Effects of Exposure of Petrochemical Products on Lung Function among Petrol Stations’ Workers at Khartoum City 2021

“…There was no signi cant correlation between duration of work (hrs/day) and PEFR. This result is quite similar to Rahul,et al, who also found insigni cant correlation between PEFR and duration of work in hours per day [13] and Diise et al who revealed signi cant association between work duration and lung function parameters except PEFR[8].However, it has been found that workers who spent more hours per day had a signi cant impairment in lung function test (p. value = 0.05)[6].…”

“…A preceding study by Rahul, et al, also showed no signi cant association between spending duties at early morning, mid-day, evening and late night with lung functions. [13] The present study showed that 70% of workers had abnormal PEFR. A signi cant reduction (p < 0.0001) in the mean PEFR was found in the petrol pump workers as compared to the standard normal values.74% of the petrol attendants were found to have reduced PEFR values [14].…”

Mitochondrial DNA copy number and cytogenetic damage among fuel filling station attendants

“…Gasoline contains more than 150 chemicals including benzene, toluene, xylene, and phenolic compounds such as VOCs and PAHs (Shaikh et al ., 2018). Studies in different countries reported that fuel filling station attendants are continuously exposed to petroleum components through skin contact, inhalation and chronic exposure may cause respiratory, blood disorders, and genotoxicity (Cezar‐Vaz et al ., 2012; Abou‐El Wafa et al ., 2015; Rahul et al ., 2016; Xiong et al ., 2016). The present study focused on monitoring workplace pollutants and genotoxicity effects among fuel filling station workers.…”