Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure of petroleum product and its exhaust are causing significant health problem in petrol pump workers. The present study was planned to assess the lung function according to the duration of occupational exposure in petrol pump workers. Aims: To assess the lung function according to the duration of occupational exposure in petrol pump workers.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study done on the 119 petrol pump workers, who were involved in filling the petrol or diesel. Hundred and nineteen petrol pump workers were divided into four groups depending on the duration of exposure; their pulmonary function test was done and was compared with 33 healthy nonsmokers.
Results: Significant reduction was seen in the FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec), FVC (forced vital capacity) in petrol pump workers who were exposed to more than 5 years. Flow rates i.e. FEF 25-75%, PEFR and PIFR also decreased significantly in the workers exposed more than 10 years. Conclusion: Petrol pump workers are vulnerable to develop restrictive lung disease especially those who are involved in the occupation for long duration (more than 5 years).