Peak expiratory flow rate of jute mill workers in Calcutta

Ventilatory capacity of 32 control and 318 asymptomatic male jute mill workers of the Calcutta area, India was measured by Wright's Peak Flowmeter. Mean values of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was 514 +/- 66.41 l/min in Control and 475 +/- 66.02 l/min and 462 +/- 67.42 l/min in exposed non-smoker and smoker workers respectively. The relationship of PEFR with age, height, duration of exposure and smoking habit were studied. Multiple regression techniques were used to determine the form of the relationship of age, height, exposure and smoking habit with PEFR. The findings have been compared with those of Indian and foreign authors. The possible reasons of difference includes smoking habit, occupational exposure, physical background and residence in polluted area etc.