Aim: To assess respiratory health status of traffic policemen using spirometry.
Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among traffic policemen in
Puducherry, a town in south India. Information on duration of exposure, respiratory symptoms and
usage protective equipment were obtained. Spirometry was done to assess lung function. Observed
values of Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) parameters like Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced
expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Mid Maximal
Expiratory Flow (MMEF) were compared with predicted values (expected values).
Results: A total of 94 traffic policemen were included in the study. Mean duration of working in traffic
department was 4.5 years (SD ± 4.2). More than half (52.1%) of policemen reported ‘cough’ in past
three months. Rhinitis (common cold) was reported by 40%. All observed PFT parameters (FVC,
FEV1, PEFR and MMEF) were less than their respective predicted (expected) values.
Conclusion: Respiratory function of traffic policemen showed reduction compared to their expected
values emphasizing the need for preventive measures.
Keywords: Pulmonary function test, traffic policemen, respiratory function, respiratory illness