Factors associated decrease of forced vital capacity on gas station employees exposed to sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Abstract

Sulfur dioxide is particulate matter which primarily from the combustion emissions of motor vehicles. If inhaled into lungs, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is deposited at alveoli and inflammation occurs. A long-term exposure to SO2 can cause impaired lung function with increased morbidity and mortality. The research is a cross-sectional study done to 59 employees at gas stations with sulfur dioxide exposure in the working environment. Data has been analysed by regression logistic test using SPSS software. Of the 59 research subjects, there are 38 people (64.4%) whose Forced Vital Capacity value decreased (restrictive lung disease), with 36 people (61%) are categorized into mild restriction and 2 others (3.4%) are in moderate restriction. In this study, there are no significant correlations between FVC decrease and age, gender or working duration. There was not found employees exposed with SO2 above 126.7 ppm in whom the decreased of FVC value occurred. In other words, employees exposed with a great level of SO2 will undergo decrease of FVC value. This study showed that there was only a weak correlation between sulfur dioxide exposure level and FVC value. The contribution of SO2 exposure to influence FVC value was only 9.4%.