Analysis of breath carbon monoxide among urban automobile drivers
Journal Title: National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology - Year 2018, Vol 8, Issue 6
Abstract
Background: Air pollution caused by automobiles can pose serious health hazard due to urbanization. Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the six criteria for air pollution related to urbanization. Urban drivers are occupationally at risk of exposure to CO. Aims and Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the levels of CO in breath among the exposed group of urban automobile drivers and to compare breath CO levels among various group of drivers based on their years of experience or duration of exposure. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of breath sample for the presence of CO was conducted on automobile drivers (n = 101) using different type of motor vehicles in urban Chennai using breath CO analyzer (Vitalograph 29700). Mean CO levels were compared among groups using ANOVA. Proportion in groups was assessed by χ2 /Fisher’s exact test. Results: The mean CO of the breath analysis was 2.45 parts per million (ppm) which corresponds to the mean carboxyhemoglobin of 0.68%. Exhaled breath CO was 3–4 ppm in 22.8% of the drivers. 8.9% of the drivers had exhaled breath CO above 9 ppm. Statistically significant difference was observed between duty hours and exhaled breath CO (P < 0.01). Drivers who were smokers had a significantly higher breath CO (P < 0.00). Drivers who used gas as fuel were having statistically significant higher breath CO (P < 0.05). Conclusions: CO is potential environmental toxin of air due to vehicle exhaust. Drivers are constantly exposed, which is evident by our report
Authors and Affiliations
Chitra M, Baskara Amsath Raja R, Semmal Syed Meerasa
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP490417
- DOI 10.5455/njppp.2018.8.1247911022018
- Views 69
- Downloads 0
A study of heart rate variability among non-diabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic parents
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an inheritable condition that runs in families as a disorder of impaired glycemic control and its complications. Among the complications of diabetes, autonomic neuropathy contribut...
Investigation of phytochemical constituents in Azolla microphylla for antibacterial activity
Background: Modern day food and lifestyle have resulted in an increasing number of diseases and disorders. A major percentage of the population depends on herbal medicines due to various needs. Aim and objective: The aim...
Influence of cigarette smoking on human cardiovascular sympathetic autonomic functions
Background: From analytical and statistical studies, it has been firmly concluded that cigarette smoking has various hazards on different systems of human being. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of this study...
Exam anxiety: Its prevalence and causative factors among Indian medical students
Background: Medical students confront stress throughout their course. It has been reported that 60% of students suffer from anxiety and depression during their study period. The leading cause for anxiety is an examinatio...
Study of prescribing patterns of hypolipidemic agents in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India
Background: Lipid-lowering agents are now the cornerstone of treatment used to reduce the risk of coronary events. Since there is wide variation in selection and use of these drugs, drug utilization studies help to evalu...