A Comparative Study of the Effect of Ambient Air Pollution on Ventilatory Function Tests in Urban and Rural Population

Veeanna Hoovinahole Bhadranna; Christofer Thomas

Veeanna Hoovinahole Bhadranna Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Christofer Thomas Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Keywords: Bronchial asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Particulate matter, Ventilatory functions

Abstract

Background and Aim: The particulate matter (PM10) is considered as the criteria parameter for assessing the quality of air that we respire as it is known to produce a significant impairment in ventilatory functions leading to respiratory diseases including bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to compare the lung function status in an urban population residing in an area with high ambient air pollutant with rural population with minimal concentration of air pollutant in their working environment. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted with 144 exposed subjects and 148 control subjects. A computerised spirometer was used to assess the ventilatory function parameters. Ventilatory parameters like FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75, MVV was taken into consideration for the preset study which was also analysed with respect to the control and study group as well as with respect to the age group of the study subjects. Monitoring the concentration of the ambient air pollutants was done by the air monitoring stations of the Karnataka state pollution control board. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS package. Results: There was no significant differences in the anthropometric parameters of both study and control group. The results showed that the ventilatory function test of the urban study group was markedly declined when compared with the control group which was statistically significant. It was also found that the mean values of parameters like FVC, FEV1, PFF, FEV1/FVC%, FEF25-75%, V max 25%, 50%, 75% was statistically different in <30 years and >30 years among study and control group.Conclusion: Considering the fact that all the subjects participated in the study are from the same ethnic origin, residing at same altitude and non smokers, the significant reduction in the lung function parameters in the exposed group could be only due to the their exposure to the air pollutants.