Transfer lung factor for Co (TLCO) and its components (DM & VC) in flour mill workers

Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1993 Oct;37(4):313-7.

Abstract

Tlco, Kco (Tlco/Va), Va, Vc and Dm were measured in 25 flour mill workers (non-smoker 9, smoker 16) and 50 healthy control subjects (25 non-smoker, 25 smoker) of similar anthropometric parameters and socio-economic status. Tlco (P < 0.05) was decreased significantly and rest of the parameters were decreased insignificantly in flour mill workers as compared to control subjects. In non-smoker flour mill workers none of the parameters altered significantly as compared to non-smoker control subjects. Statistically significant reduction was seen in smoker workers only in Tlco (P < 0.05) and its component Dm (P < 0.05) as compared to smoker control subjects. Further it has been observed that less duration of flour dust exposure (< 5 years) in all flour mill workers and smoker flour mill workers caused negligible fall in Tlco, whereas longer duration of flour dust exposure (> 5 years) in both the groups caused highly significant fall in Tlco (P < 0.01) which was contributed to by highly significant fall in Dm (P < 0.001).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Monoxide / metabolism*
  • Dust / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Flour*
  • Food-Processing Industry*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity*
  • Pulmonary Ventilation
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Smoking

Substances

  • Dust
  • Carbon Monoxide