THE DIFFUSING LUNG CAPACITY IN FORMALIN EXPOSED AND NON EXPOSED SUBJECTS - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The thoracic and abdominal muscle strength plays an important role in pulmonary function and diffusing lung capacity. The main function of the lung is gas exchange, which can be assessed in several ways.  A Spirometer measures the flow and the volumes of the inspired and expired air .The aim of the study was to assess Diffusing Lung Capacity of formalin exposure and to compare with healthy individuals. To assess the chronic effects of formalin exposure on Diffusing lung capacity  in the faculties, lab technicians and attender of the department of anatomy and pathology of SRM Medical Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur. This prospective study was carried out in 50 healthy formalin exposed subjects (atleast 5 years exposure) from department of anatomy and pathology of SRM medical college hospital and research centre, Kattankulathur and 50 healthy controls of same age group of  this study were included after obtaining ethical clearance and consent ‘ Easy One Pro Spirometer was used to find out the Diffusing Lung Capacity .Student t-test was applied to compare the PFT parameters between formalin exposed and formalin non exposed group. There was a significant difference in mean and standard deviation of pulmonary parameters with the p – value < 0.005 in formalin exposed which shows that they have lesser ventilatory drive.