Ambient air pollution and impairment of lung volumes and capacities in young inhabitants of industrial area of Kanpur.

ABSTRACT

Background: Air pollution is one of the major problem faced in developing countries like India. Chronic exposure to air pollutants can leads to hampered day today activity and increased visit to clinics. The pollutant PM10 (particulate matter size less than 10 μ) especially a risk factor associated with decreased lung functions and lung growth. The effect of particulate pollution on lung functions in young ones is still lacking in India especially in Kanpur, a highly polluted city of U.P., India. Aims and Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of chronic exposure of air pollution on lung functions in subjects of the polluted area of the city. Material and methods: One hundred twenty male subjects, in age group of 18 to 30 years from polluted and non-polluted area of Kanpur, India were participated in the study. Anthropometric data were taken. Pulmonary function test was conducted in standing position. Pollution data of study period was taken from Central pollution control board and compared with the National ambient air quality standard. Statistics All data presented as mean ± SD and analysed by independent sample t test by using SPSS version 15. Results: The anthropometric data were statistically not significant in two areas. The Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec, Forced Expiratory Flow 25-75% and Peak Expiratory Flow were reduced except the FEV1/FVC ratio which was not statistically significant between the groups. Conclusion: The long term exposure of pollutant PM10 could reduce the lung function. By reducing the pollution level a change in lung function and lung growth could be obtained. Thus every attempt should be made towards lowering air pollution like car pool concept, alternate fuels such as CNG or hybrid technology.