Evaluation of Lung Functional Status among People Living in Different Type of Housing in Chennai City

Background: Different housing has its influence on the health of the residents. The high rise apartment is a type of living adapted by people in urban areas of India. It becomes inevitable and poses much convenience and economy without occupying much land area. It is known that the floor of residence is related to the pulmonary function of the individuals.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the lung functional status among the people living in high rise apartments and individual houses in Chennai city.

Materials and Methods: The study included 20 healthy individuals, 10 residents from Individual houses and 10 residents from high rise apartments from the 10th to 15th floor. The lung function was measured using RMS Helios 702 spirometer. They were assessed for a lung function test using RMS Helios 702 spirometer. The parameters such as FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25-75 were assessed, and the statistical test used was independent t test.

Results: The mean of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF 25-75, PEFR were maximum in high rise apartment residents compared to individual house residents. Statistically significant change was observed in the FEF25-75 value among the two groups.

Conclusion: The study concluded an innovative finding that subjects living in high rise apartments showed innovation in finding better lung functions and this may be attributed to the pollution free zone in high floors.