Effect Of Exposure To Oxides Of Nitrogen On Pulmonary Function

Abstract

Pulmonary Function Tests (VC, FEV1.0% and FEF25-75%) were assessed in shopkeepers exposed to automobile exhaust fumes near six traffic junction areas which had different concentrations of Oxides of Nitrogen (NO2) . The percentage of predicted value and the prevalence of restrictive, obstructive, both restrictive and peripheral airway obstruction were related with the levels on NOx exposure. Higher level of NOx was associated with restrictive and obstructive type of functional impairment. Smoking was shown to aggravate peripheral airway obstruction.