Influência dos resíduos da poluição atmosférica na saúde respiratória e qualidade de vida de motoristas de transporte coletivo urbano em uma cidade do Pontal do Paranapanema.

Abstract

Introduction: Urban air pollution has been one of the biggest problems in society. In Pontal do Paranapanema there are several factors that contribute to this pollution, among them the increase in the vehicle fleet registered in Presidente Prudente, the lack of suitable places for solid waste disposal and the burning of sugarcane straw. Due to the large area of contact between the surface of the respiratory system and the environment, air quality directly interferes with respiratory health. Thus, it can cause a mucociliary dysfunction that is responsible for episodes of exacerbations, which causes hypersecretion, recurrent infections and, consequently, dyspnea. The mucociliary system is the first mechanical barrier to come into contact with these air pollutants and its integrity is fundamental for the protection of the respiratory system. Currently the most accepted concepts of quality of life aim at a multiplicity of dimensions. Objective: to evaluate the influence of air pollution residues on respiratory health and quality of life of public urban transport drivers in a city of Pontal do Paranapanema. Methodology: 30 individuals of both sexes were evaluated, divided into two groups: Control Group - GC, consisting of 10 employees from the administrative sector and the Motorists - GM Group, made up of 20 drivers who are directly exposed to pollution. Measurement of carbon monoxide from expired air (COex) was performed to evaluate the nasal mucociliary transport, the saccharine transit time test (TTS) was used. Both carried out at the beginning and end of the working day in the three moments measured. The perception of quality of life (QOL) was analyzed through the application of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), applied before the beginning of the working day on the first day of evaluation. Results: The results of the TTS test for the group drivers showed increased transport speed from the first to the third day of research. Already the perception of QoL was observed that in the pain domain was higher for the Workers of the Control Group (p <0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to air pollution residues affects mucociliary transport of urban public transport drivers and that administrative employees feel more pain than drivers. We hope to contribute with these results to preventive health policies according to the needs of this population