Assessment of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Building Construction Workers in Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: In this era of globalization one of the growing industries is the construction industry and there are various occupational problems faced by the workers especially in Asian countries mostly in India; the problems are related to both physical and mental health. All the construction sites generate high concentration of dust particles from cement, silica, asbestos, concrete, wood, stand and stand that causes respiratory problems in the workers. PEFR is the maximum air that is generated after forceful expiration, after full lung inspiration. So if there is any accumulation of dust particles the PEFR decreases as the elasticity of lungs to recoil is distrusted due to the lodged particles. Material and Method: A descriptive observation study was carried out on 50 building construction workers. The purpose of the study was explained and informed consent was taken. The PEFR was measured using peak expiratory flow meter. The data was analyzed using standard statistical software. Result: The procedure of using peak flow meter that was carried out for 3 times and the highest value from the three was considered as peak flow rate, using statistical method mean and standard deviation were calculated. The mean of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate is 321.1 L/min. Conclusion: This study concluded that the peak expiratory flow rate is reduced in building construction workers those who are working for than 2 years on the construction sites. Key words: construction workers, occupation diseases, PEFR, peak expiratory flow meter.