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Respiratory symptoms and lung function in bus drivers and mechanics
E Zuskin1, J Mustajbegovic, E N Schachter
1Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Bus drivers and mechanics face higher risks of chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. Smoking and long-term employment in the transport industry exacerbate these health issues.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Bus drivers and mechanics are potentially exposed to various occupational hazards.
- Respiratory health in transport industry workers requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity in bus drivers and mechanics.
- To identify risk factors associated with respiratory impairment in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 116 bus drivers and 119 mechanics.
- Comparison of respiratory symptom prevalence and lung function parameters with control workers.
- Analysis of the impact of smoking and employment duration on respiratory health.
Main Results:
- Bus drivers and mechanics showed a significantly higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (e.g., chest tightness, dyspnea, nasal catarrh) compared to controls.
- Smokers and those employed for over 10 years reported more respiratory symptoms.
- Reduced ventilatory capacity, particularly FEF25, was observed in smoking bus drivers and mechanics.
Conclusions:
- Long-term employment in the transport industry is linked to chronic respiratory symptoms.
- Smoking significantly worsens respiratory health and lung function in these workers.
- Occupational health interventions are crucial for transport industry employees, especially smokers.