THE EFFECT OF LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO PARTICULATE POLLUTION ON THE LUNG FUNCTION OF TEHERANIAN AND ZANJANIAN STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: There is emerging evidence that particulate pollution also contributes to lung function decline; decline in lung function has been reported across Europe. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of long term exposure to particulate pollution on the adult lung function. Methods: Among 275 new students entrance of ZUMS, 28 Tehranian students (T.S) and 32 Zanjanian students (Z.S) were selected among healthy and non-smoker female students. FVC, FEV₁, FEF_25-75% and FEV₁ / FVC in two groups were measured and statistical analysis of data was performed by analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) using SPSS Software, version of 11.5 and T-test. A minimum significance level of p < 0.05 was used for all comparisons and p <0.05 was considered as significant changes. Result: Particulate pollution reduced FVC, FEV₁, and FEF_25-75%, measurably_, on the contrary FEV₁ / FVC increased considerably. Vital capacity in T.S was 8.2 percent less than group Z.S, FEV₁ and FEF_25-75%ØŒ were respectively 8.6 and 1 percent in T.S less than group Z.S, and FEV₁ / FVC in T.S was 1.5 % more than Z.S. Conclusion: Patterns of abnormalities in pulmonary tests are similar to other restrictive pulmonary disease. About 19% reduction in vital capacity in T.S confirmed that, long-term exposure to particulate pollution could create restrictive state with similar mechanism. Long-term exposure to particulate pollution threatens children lung growth and function.