Abstract

Background: The exposure to pesticide spraying during the process of farming in the fields is becoming a health concern among the farm laborers. The frequent and unprotected inhalation of chemical pesticides during spraying process adversely affects the lung functions secondary to development of obstructive lung disorders. Aims and Objectives: The objectives were to evaluate the effect of chemical pesticide spraying on Dynamic lung function tests (DLFT’s) and to compare the various parameters such as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, forced expiratory flow 25–75% (FEF25–75%), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in affected individuals with the normal healthy controls.
Materials and Methods: The study samples were divided into two groups, study and control groups. An analytical study was conducted by including 60 individuals with age- and occupation-matched criteria (control group – 30 and study group – 30). Participants were selected randomly from the outpatient department (OPD) premises, with the age group between 20 and 40 years, and both sexes were included. Dynamic lung volumes and capacities were recorded on the computerized RMS HELIOS 702 Spirometer.
Results: Dynamic lung volumes and capacities such as FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25–75%, and MVV were evaluated on OPD basis in the pulmonary function test laboratory. Our findings showed that all the DLFT parameter values in case of exposed and affected population were significantly less as compared to the normal healthy controls. This indicates the presence of obstructive lung diseases in such individuals. There was a significant difference between the means of study and control groups, and the affected individuals exposed to chemical pesticides had lower lung function tests as compared to normal population. Conclusion: The findings of the present study provide us with useful evidence about the association of pesticide inhalation exposure with adverse respiratory effects among farm laborers. This occupational hazard requires special attention and preventive measures, as it may increase the risk of pulmonary dysfunctions and mortality associated with these diseases.