Comparison of FEV1/FVC between Train Drivers and Taxi Drivers in a Metropolitan City

Dr Aritra Sanyal; Dr Maneesh Kumar Martanday; Dr Dhangauri N. Shenvi

Volume : IX, Issue : VII, July - 2020

Comparison of FEV1/FVC between Train Drivers and Taxi Drivers in a Metropolitan City

Dr Aritra Sanyal, Dr Maneesh Kumar Martanday, Dr Dhangauri N. Shenvi

Abstract :

FEV1/FVC is an important tool which can estimate the pulmonary function in an individual. Pulmonary function may be affected by various factors, among which air pollution is the most significant. Air pollution is increasing everyday in India and one of the main causative factors is vehicular transmission. Increased vehicular transmission causes increased air pollution, which is related to decreased pulmonary function. As taxi drivers work in congested roads throughout the day, they are one of the most affected populations. This study was aimed to assess the FEV1/FVC of taxi drivers as well as the train drivers and to compare them. FEV1/FVC was assessed in 30 train drivers (Group A) and 30 taxi drivers (Group B) between the age group of 25 to 50 years. In both the groups initially Predicted FEV1/FVC ratio was calculated and then the Actual FEV1/FVC was estimated with the help of Computerised Spirometer. People in Group A (82.37% � 0.765) performed better in this lung function test compared to Group B (62.7% � 3.814). Though there was a difference in Predicted and Actual values of FEV1/FVC ratio in train drivers, it was not statistically significant. Whereas in case of taxi drivers the ratio was highly significant. As a result of increased exposure to polluted air, taxi drivers� pulmonary function were affected more compared to the train drivers.