[Comparison of spirometric indicators in smoking and non-smoking metallurgical workers]

In a population of 327 "clinically healthy" metallurgists (140 non-smokers, and 187 smoking 15-24 cigarettes daily), categorized into seven 4-year age groups, the following spirometric parameters were determined: VC, FEV1, %VC, RV, ERV, FRC, TLC, RV%TLC. A significantly higher VC was found among non-smokers only in those aged 25-23, whereas FEV1%VC--in those aged 37-40. In smokers statistically higher ERV values were found in those aged 37-40 and 41-44. As to RV and RV%TLC statistically worse results were found among smokers aged 29-32. The best FRC index among smokers was found in the group 41-44 years old. TLC was not significantly different in any of age groups concerned. The above data comparing 49 subgroups of smokers and 49 subgroups of non-smokers indicate that the smoking of 15-24 cigarettes a day does not significantly enhance the ventilation parameters in "clinically healthy" metallurgists.