Effects of Chalk dust on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in School Teachers
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 4
Abstract
Introduction: Chalk and board is a traditional and still the most commonly used teaching aid in developing countries like India. Chalk is major source of fine particulate matter in classroom, which may produce pulmonary function impairments. Aims and objectives: The objective of the study was to compare Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) of school teachers exposed to chalk dust with matched controls. Materials and methods: A comparative study was conducted in total of 150 participants, 75 teachers (study group) exposed to chalk dust and 75 controls. PEFR was measured in all participants using Cipla’s peak flow meter with EU scale. PEFR in the study and control groups were compared for both males and females using unpaired t test. Results: PEFR was significantly lower in study group (teachers) as compared to controls in both males (t value -5.350, p<0.05) and females (t value -5.101, p<0.05). Conclusion: Teachers using chalk and board are at an increased risk of developing occupationally related pulmonary function impairments and hence there is a need to shift from routine chalk and board to marker and whiteboard.
Authors and Affiliations
Kamini D. Nikam, Munira A. Hirkani
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP39746
- DOI -
- Views 283
- Downloads 0
Euphorbia Prostrata - A Clinically Proven Drug in Hemorrhoids – Multiple Pharmacological Actions Targeting Pathological Processes
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common anorectal disorders. They affect millions of people around the world and represent a major medical & socioeconomic problem. The pathogenesis of hemorrhoids can be explained on the...
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A rare cause of PUO - Case Report
Kikuchi’s disease or Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD) is a rare, benign self-limited condition defined by fever with tender regional (most often cervical) lymphadenopathy. There are cases reported worldwide, scarcely amon...
Multiple Accessory Middle Colic Arteries – A Rare Case Report
The superior mesenteric artery takes origin from the abdominal aorta 1cm below the origin of celiac trunk at the level of L1 vertebra.It supplies the whole of small intestine except the superior part of duodenum,it also...
Do We Practice What We Know? A Study Comparing Ergonomic Practices
Background: The increasing use, necessity and negligence to handle computers in every specialty of life have raised important health concerns. In the absence of any formal ergonomic education in the country the study wa...
The use of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine as a Malaria Prophylaxis for Pregnant Women in the Volta Regional Hospital
Background: Malaria has a huge negative impact on the health of most people globally. In Ghana, malaria acquired in pregnancy comes with a lot of negative consequences for both mother and foetus, and even the family. Th...