Article PDF :

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Article type :

Original Article

Author :

R. Venkateswara Babu, Jayaram S, Thirunavukkarasu Arun Babu, Kavita Vasudevan

Volume :

2

Issue :

1

Abstract :

Background: To assess the pulmonary function among firefighters using Spirometry. Methodology:  A cross sectional study was conducted among firefighters in Puducherry, India.  Spirometry was done to assess their lung function. The Spirometric values obtained viz., FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25-75% were compared with predetermined predicted values (expected values) for their respective age, sex, height, weight and South Asian race. Results: In our study, a total of 115 firefighters working in 9 fire stations in Puducherry were subjected to Spirometry in their workplace itself. Eighty seven (75.7%) subjects had a normal Spirometry (FEV1/FVC ratio>80 %). Twenty eight (24.3%) subjects had FEV1/FVC ratio80% of predicted (Borderline obstruction). Ten (35.7%) subjects had FEV1 between 60-80% of predicted (Mild obstruction) and 2 (7.1%) subjects had FEV1 between 40-60% of predicted (Moderate obstruction). None of the patients had FEV1