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Lung function tests in electroplaters of East Delhi
Sujata Natarajan1, Pratibha Gupta, Savita Singh
1Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences, Dilshad Garden, Delhi 110 095.
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|January 16, 2004
Summary
Electroplaters exposed to workplace metals show reduced lung function, including decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) and vital capacity (SVC). This study highlights potential respiratory risks in electroplating industries.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Pulmonary Physiology
Background:
- Workplace exposure to heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb) is common in industries like electroplating.
- Metal exposure is known to negatively impact the respiratory system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of occupational metal exposure on pulmonary function in electroplaters.
- To compare lung function parameters between electroplaters and non-electroplaters.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary function tests were conducted on 80 male workers from electroplating (Group I) and non-electroplating (Group II) units in East Delhi.
- Tests included forced expiratory capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity (SVC), and other spirometric measures using a computerized Spiro-232 device.
Main Results:
- Electroplaters exhibited decreased values for parameters like FEV1/FVC%, FEF50, FEF75, PIFR, FIF50, MVV, and SVC compared to non-electroplaters.
- Conversely, electroplaters showed higher total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity (FRC), residual volume (RV), and RV/TLC%.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to metals in electroplating may lead to significant alterations in lung function.
- The observed changes suggest potential respiratory impairment and altered lung volumes in electroplating workers.