Spirometric Evaluation of Respiratory Health in Traffic Policemen Deployed on Roads of Lahore

Abstract

Background: Health risks associated with breathing in polluted air caused by motor vehicles have increased significantly. The worst impacted population is anticipated to be traffic enforcement officers because of their constant and extended exposure on the busy roads.

Objective: To measure the lung function parameters i.e. mean FEV1, FVC, ratio of FEV1 to FVC and PEFR in traffic policemen performing their duties on roads of Lahore by using spirometer.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Institute of TB & Chest Medicine, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from July 2024 to January 2025. A total of 100 wardens visiting outpatients were consecutively included and underwent lung function evaluation on Spirodoc© spirometer. They were asked to blow air through spirometer and FEV1 (L), FVC (L) and FEV1/FVC ratios (%) and PEFR (L/s) were recorded. All the data was stored using ‘WinspiroPRO’ software version 62 and recorded on the attached proforma.

Results: Mean age of wardens was 30.44±6.32 years & mean job duration was 7.57±5.58 years. Spirometric evaluation showed that mean FEV1 and FVC was 73.74±9.31(%) and 74.49±8.34(%). However mean FEV1/FVC ratio and PEFR was 100.16±16.36(%) and 74.22±9.21L/srespectively. No statistically significant difference was seen for lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC & PEFR) in relation to age, duration of job [p-value >0.05] however BMI showed significantly reduced FEV1/FVC; [p-value 0.024]) among underweight wardens.

Conclusion: A decreased level of lung function has been observed among traffic wardens. With age and prolonged duration of exposure to traffic pollution, a declining trend in lung functioning has ......