Air pollution and its effects on lung health in never-smoker youth of Delhi NCR versus Pauri Garhwal: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Background: Ambient air pollution is a major factor that can affect lung growth and reduce lung capacity. This study aims at drawing parallel between respiratory discomfort and lung function between youth of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) where air pollution level is poor and hazardous as compared to that of Pauri Garhwal (Uttarakhand) where air pollution level is low via a comparative cross-sectional study.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 354 never-smoker subjects (177 from NCR and 177 from Pauri) between the ages of 15 and 29 years. Pulmonary Function Test coupled with COPD Assessment Test (CAT)-based questionnaire for respiratory problems helped elicit information regarding lung health of subjects.

Results: Mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow 25-75%, FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate were lower by 12.9%, 17%, 5%, 7.8%, and 7.3%, respectively, in NCR participants as compared to that of Pauri. Upon spirometry, restrictive pattern was present in 40 (22.6%), and obstructive pattern was present in 9 (5.1%) of NCR participants. Out of these, nine (5.1%) having obstructive pattern, five (55.6%) had 50% ≤ FEV1<80%, and four (44.4%) had 30% ≤ FEV1<50% of predicted value. Neither restrictive nor obstructive pattern was found evident in subjects from Pauri. The mean CAT score in subjects from NCR was 5.2 ± 4.9 and .46 ± 1.1 in subjects from Pauri.

Conclusion: Subjects belonging to NCR performed poorly in spirometry and reported higher respiratory complaints in comparison to participants from Pauri Garhwal.