Effects of Air Pollution on Cardiopulmonary Function

Exposure to air pollution significantly affects both short- and long-term outcomes the cardiopulmonary system. This study investigated the effects of air pollution on cardiopulmonary functions in working-class individuals in Anambra State Nigeria ,with high exposure to air pollutants. This research conducted a panel study of 100 volunteers (50male and 50 female) within the age range of 15-25, 25-35,35-45 45-55 and 55- 60 years. Lung function tests such as Forced Expiratory volume which measured the amount of air one can exhale in the first second of a forced exhalation, Forced Vital Capacity which also measures the maximum amount of air exhaled from the lungs after a maximum inhalation and Peak expiratory Flow which measures the maximum speed of air exhaled during a forced exhalation were performed using Spirometer and peak expiratory flow meter to assess the respiratory health of the subjects. The blood pressure measurement was taken using sphygmomanometer ( manual and automatic)which measures systolic pressure and diastolic pressure to assess their cardiovascular health and stethoscope which is used to measure the pulse and heart sounds. These tests assesses the relationship between daily air pollution exposure and cardiopulmonary health changes Results showed significant decreases in respiratory parameters thus: Forced Expiratory volume (FEV) is below normal range of 2.5-4.OL, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is below the normal range of 3.0-5.0L and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) is below 400-600L/min. These decrease P>0.05) in respiratory parameters indicates impaired lung function and is significant in both genders (male and female)within the age range of 45-60 years and o indicating that both genders are prone to having cardiopulmonary disease during exposure to air pollution. The cardiovascular assessment shows a significant increase (elevation) in blood pressure in both genders those within age of 40-60 years exposed to air pollution compared to those in non-polluted environments (P