Four-type of Masks and its Effectiveness Based on Reduced Level of Expiratory Carbon-monoxide

Air pollution and its effects on lung health in never-smoker youth of Delhi NCR versus Pauri Garhwal: a comparative cross-sectional study

Background

Ambient air pollution is a major factor that can affect lung growth and reduce lung capacity. This study aims at drawing parallel between respiratory discomfort and lung function between youth of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) where air pollution level is poor and hazardous as compared to that of Pauri Garhwal (Uttarakhand) where air pollution level is low via a comparative cross-sectional study.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 354 never-smoker subjects (177 from NCR and 177 from Pauri) between the ages of 15 and 29 years. Pulmonary Function Test coupled with COPD Assessment Test (CAT)-based questionnaire for respiratory problems helped elicit information regarding lung health of subjects.

Results

Mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow 25-75%, FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate were lower by 12.9%, 17%, 5%, 7.8%, and 7.3%, respectively, in NCR participants as compared to that of Pauri. Upon spirometry, restrictive pattern was present in 40 (22.6%), and obstructive pattern was present in 9 (5.1%) of NCR participants. Out of these, nine (5.1%) having obstructive pattern, five (55.6%) had 50% ≤ FEV1<80%, and four (44.4%) had 30% ≤ FEV1<50% of predicted value. Neither restrictive nor obstructive pattern was found evident in subjects from Pauri. The mean CAT score in subjects from NCR was 5.2 ± 4.9 and .46 ± 1.1 in subjects from Pauri.

Conclusion

Subjects belonging to NCR performed poorly in spirometry and reported higher respiratory complaints in comparison to participants from Pauri Garhwal.

Comparison of acetylcholinesterase among employees based on job positions and personal protective equipment in fuel station

The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) among employees based on job positions and the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) in fuel station areas. The sample group consisted of 200 people sorted into various groups, including (i) Inside fuel dispenser area (I-FDA) group consisting of 100 employees for refueling, cashier, and loading fuel into storage tanks, and (ii) Outside fuel dispenser area (O-FDA) group, consisting of 100 employees working in convenience stores, food stores, coffee shops, and offices, as well as general staff and car washers. Data were collected using interview questionnaires and blood samples were analyzed for AChE activity. The results showed that the I-FDA group had a significantly lower mean of serum AChE (7.38±1.73 U/ml) than the O-FDA group (7.85±1.49 U/ml) (p<0.05). The I-FDA group had a 2.43 times higher risk of abnormal serum AChE than the O-FDA group (OR=2.43, 95%CI=1.05-5.60). When considering the risk factors for job positions, it was found that refueling and cashier positions had lower AChE activity levels than those who did not (p<0.05). In the part, employees for food sales in a closed building and those wearing PPE masks had significantly higher AChE activity levels than those who did not or who wore them (p<0.05). Based on the aforementioned, employers at fuel stations should strictly determine the appropriate measures for wearing a PPE mask. Further, employees should be provided accommodation away from oil supply or enclosed buildings during breaks to reduce the effects on the neurotransmitter.

The Difference in Carboxyhemoglobin Levels in Blood between Grilled and Non-grilled Food Vendors in Medan, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Carbon monoxide (CO) is air pollutants that have continued to increase in level. It might affect the body through the binding of CO with hemoglobin (Hb) in blood to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). In addition to cigarettes, another pollutant that might affect the COHb levels in the blood is the smoke produced from grilled food. AIM: Thus, this research was done to identify the difference in COHb levels in blood between grilled and non-grilled food vendors. METHODS: A comparative analysis study with a cross-sectional design was done between October and November 2020 at Jalan Dr. Mansyur, Medan. The sample for the measurement of COHb levels of each subject was taken from blood plasma. COHb levels were measured with Human COHb Elisa Kit, Size 96 Wells, Brands Bioassay TL at the integrated research laboratory of Universitas Sumatera Utara. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.0. Normality test of COHb levels in blood between grilled and non-grilled food vendors was done using Shapiro–Wilk test, where p > 0.05 indicated a normal distribution of data. RESULTS: A total of 50 subjects (25 from grilled food vendors and 25 from non-grilled food vendors) met the research criteria. Thirty-two subjects (64%) aged 20–30 years, where 19 of them were grilled food vendors (59.4%) and 13 (40.6%) were non-grilled food vendors. COHb levels were 500.22 ng/ml with minimum and maximum levels of 106.21 ng/ml and 1204.14 ng/ml observed, respectively. The median of COHb levels in grilled food vendors (352.81 ng/ml) was found to be lower than that in non-grilled (513.58 ng/ml). Comparative analysis results showed p = 0.204 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no significant differences in COHb levels in blood between grilled and non-grilled food vendors in Medan.