Effect of dust and automobile exhaust fumes on security guards in Bathinda City.

ABSTRACT

Background: Environmental pollution is a worldwide phenomenon. Exposure to vehicle emissions increases the risk to reduced lung function and detoriating cardiovascular performance. Aims & Objective: To measure the effect of dust and automobile exhaust fumes on security guards. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 150 healthy non-smoking male security guards of age group 20-40yrs. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) was measured using Wrights peak flow meter and acute changes in oxygen saturation (SPO2) were determined using Digital finger Pulse Oximeter in equal number (n=50 each) of security guards working outside office, in open parking and in basement parking. Statistical analysis was carried out by unpaired student’s t -test. Results: PEFR was found to be lower (427.0 ± 11.12 L/min) in security guards working in basement parking of shopping malls as compared to security guards working in open parking (430 ± 12.92 L/min) and outside office buildings (443 ± 13.29 L/min). Acute change in Oxygen saturation, (SPO2) were normal in each occupation but were significantly lower in security guards in basement parking p<0.001 as compared to security guards outside offices. Conclusion: Exposure to exhaust and fumes, inside the basement parking, cause more health risk to security guards than the security guards working in open parking or outside official buildings exposed vehicular exhaust.