Considering the effects of ambient particulate matter on the lung function of motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

The association between exposure to PM 10 and lung function decline among motorcycle taxi drivers was investigated in a cross-sectional study conducted in Bangkok between two groups, a subject group of motorcycle taxi drivers and control group of enclosed vehicle taxi drivers. The findings of the Thailand Pollution Control Department were used to estimate the annual ambient PM 10 concentration levels in the metropolis, while multiple linear regression analysis was employed to estimate the effects of PM 10 exposure on the lung function of motorcycle taxi drivers. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/forced vital capacity (FEV 1 /FVC) of the motorcycle taxi drivers was significantly lower than that of the taxi drivers. The mean FEV 1 /FVC of motorcycle taxi drivers exposed to ≥ 50 Μg/m 3 PM 10 was statistically lower and the mean % vital capacity of those exposed to 40–49.9 Μg/m 3 PM 10 was statistically lower than that of motorcycle taxi drivers exposed to < 30 Μg/m 3 PM 10 . Since motorcycle taxi drivers were directly exposed to air pollution in their working environment, their lung function might decrease more than that of enclosed vehicle taxi drivers.