Impairment of peak expiratory flow rate in shift workers

Author(s): Pati, A. K.

Journal/Book: Int J Ind Ergonomic. 1996; 17: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Elsevier Science BV. 431-435.

Abstract: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), one of the measures of pulmonary function, was monitored in 410 subjects consisting of 45 day workers from Raipur city, 157 day workers and 208 shift workers from a suburban cement plant. The PEFR in each subject was measured between 09:00 and 11:00. Thereafter, subjects were categorised into two groups, i.e., young (less than or equal to 40 y) and aged (greater than or equal to 41 y). A statistically significant low PEFR was witnessed only among elderly shift workers. Furthermore, a positive correlation between PEFR and body surface area (BSA) was obtained, irrespective of variation in age as well as work pattern. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate a diminished capacity in shift workers' pulmonary function.

Note: Article AK Pati, Pt Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Sch Life Sci, Raipur 492010, Madhya Pradesh, India

Keyword(s): PEFR; shift worker; day worker; cement plant; CIRCADIAN-RHYTHMS; DESYNCHRONIZATION; TEMPERATURE

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