Effects of passive smoking on pulmonary functions of individuals in an urban area

: Passive smoking is a world health problem and part of the tobacco epidemic which victimizes mostly adolescents. Epidemiological studies have, essentially, addressed the association between passive smoke exposure and respiratory health in adult population, and increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) & lung cancer among adult nonsmokers. Relatively few studies have been reported on lung function in relation to effects of passive smoking among nonsmoking individuals.To investigate the effects of passive smoking on lung functions among individuals in urban region. The present study was composed of smokers, passive smokers and nonsmokers (control), aged between 17 and 25 years. Ninety healthy individuals were placed in three different groups on the basis of questionnaire (Group A: active smoker, Group B: passive smoker, Group C: control). Study was done with the help of spirometer (RMS Helios 401).FEFFEV1/FVC% values were significantly decreased in passive smokers as compared to control individuals (P<0.001, P<0.05). The present study suggests a significant reduction of lung functions in individuals exposed to passive smoke.