Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in urban bus drivers

Introduction: Results of some studies indicated bus driving as an occupation with high risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aim of the study: To assess prevalence and characteristics of COPD in urban bus drivers. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study including 98 males working as urban bus drivers and 50 male office workers matched to bus drivers by age and smoking status studied as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects consisted of completion of a questionnaire, pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry. In addition, a quantitative job exposure matrix was used for occupational exposure assessment. Results: We found higher prevalence of all respiratory symptoms in bus drivers with significant difference for cough (24.5% vs. 10%, P = 0.0356). The mean values of all measured spirometric parameters were significantly lower in bus drivers. The prevalence of COPD, diagnosed by spirometric confirming of persistent airflow limitation, was significantly higher in bus drivers as compared to its prevalence in office workers (13.2% vs. 4.0%, P = 0.0458). COPD in bus drivers was close related to age over 45 years and duration of employment at the actual workplace more than 20 years. Conclusion: Our findings support data about relationship between occupational exposure to urban traffic pollution and persistent airflow limitation in exposed workers.