JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Background: Petrol pump attendants are the norm rather than self- service, increasing the opportunity for exposure to petrol fumes during refuelling. Long term exposure to petrol vapours has shown to affect the different physiological systems in the body with the highest impact on the respiratory system.The present study aims to evaluate and compare the combined effect of petrol fumes and automobile exhaust on pulmonary functions in petrol station attendants and normal unexposed subjects. Methods: The present study was conducted among 50 petrol pump workers working in refuelling areas and 51 individuals who were not occupationally exposed to petrol fumes. Demographic and anthropometric details were collected and pulmonary function tests were performed on both the groups. Results: : The mean age of the exposed and unexposed group was 27.48 ± 6.54 and 25.12 ±6.68 respectively. The present study involved 26 females (Exposed -11 and Unexposed-15) and 56 males (Exposed- 20 and Unexposed- 36).The mean BMI of the exposed and unexposed group was 22.14±3.04 and 23.86±4.93 respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to age and BMI. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) declined significantly (p < 0.005) in the exposed group when compared to the unexposed group. Conclusion: Periodic medical surveillance inclusive of pulmonary function testing should be insisted among petrol pump workers. In addition, the development of appropriate equipment for monitoring and testing for environmental elements in the community and in workers would prove to be beneficial.

Key words: FEV1, PEFR and FVC, Petrol fumes, automobile exhaust.