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Pulmonary Function Test in Car Wash Workers of Karachi, Pakistan

Fauzia Imtiaz, Mehtab Alam,Vishal Kumar, Sara Arif and Maryam Masood

Introduction: Car wash industry comprises a wide source of employment in an urban city like Karachi. The use of chemicals during car wash may deteriorate the internal functions particularly of lungs. The aim of our study is to determine the effects of these chemicals on lung function test.

Objectives: To determine the association of car wash workers and their pulmonary function.

Method: The study was conducted in Karachi, during the period of January 2014 to July 2014. It is a cross sectional study in which questionnaire was filled and pulmonary function test (PFT) of the individuals working in a car wash stations was performed. The vitalograph was used to find out the PFT.

Results: It was observed that due to exogenous inhalation in car wash area the individuals working there are badly affected as far as their lung functions are considered. It was observed that forced expiratory volume (FEV) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is significantly reduced (0.000), (0.001) respectively at p< 0.01.

Conclusion: The pulmonary function test is significantly affected in car wash workers and they are at risk of various pulmonary diseases. It is suggested that they should use mask and also take other measures during work.