Effect of Exposure to Spray Paint on Lung Function of Automobile Spray Painters in Benin City.

Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin.

Omigie, M. I. and *Agoreyo, F.O.

Corresponding Author: agoreyofo@yahoo.com

Recieved Date: December, 2020; Accepted Date: December, 2020; Published Date: December, 2020

ABSTRACT

Background: Automobile spray paint is a mixture of substances, which include solvents (styrene, isocyanates, xylene and alcohol) with inhibitors and pigments like acrylates and methyl acrylates. Automobile spray painters are prone to developing respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of automobile spray paint on lung function of automobile spray painters in Benin City. Materials and Methods: A total of forty (40) apparently healthy male subjects between the ages of 20 and 40 years were recruited for this study. They consist of two groups of twenty (20) subjects each. Group A is experimental group and group B is control group. Spirometry measurements were done on both groups which were matched against their age, sex, height and chest circumference. Data was appropriately recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using Graph Pad Prism 5.0. The independent Student t-test was used to compare means between exposed subjects and unexposed subjects. All results were presented as Means ± SEM in graphs. P values less than 0.05 (p<0.05) were considered statistically significant. Result: Pulmonary function tests (Forced expiratory volume, FEV1; Forced vital capacity, FVC; and Peak expiratory flow rate, PEFR) in the exposed group were significantly lower in the exposed group compared with control. Conclusion: This showed that exposure to spray paint reduces lung functions as indicated by the lowered respiratory parameters. This may result in respiratory distress if precautionary measures such as wearing of safety gadgets during work as well as routine medical checkup.