Effect of Air Conditioner on Pulmonary Function among Bank Employees at Kannur District - A Cross-Sectional Study

Nivedhya K V, Praveena D

Abstract: Aim: A significant component of modern lifestyle is the use of air conditioner, which has caused increased inhalation of cold dry air. Bank employees are the working community that is exposed to air-conditioner on a greater scale. So, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of air-conditioner on pulmonary function among bank employees at Kannur District. Objectives: To find out the effect of air- conditioner on pulmonary function among bank employees at Kannur district. Methodology: The study included 60 bank employees exposed to air conditioner (Group-A) and 60 bank employees not exposed to air conditioner. The pulmonary function test was carried out for each subject by using a computerized spirometry built in computer program, using the standard laboratory methods. The pulmonary functions including Functional Vital Capacity (FVC), Functional Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were recorded. Result and Discussion: The results showed statistically significant difference between the study groups. There is a decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in air conditioner users (Group-A) than non-air conditioner users (Group B). Conclusion: In this study, results show significant decline in FVC, FEV1 and PEFR in air conditioner users. Hence, we can conclude that long term exposure to cool dry air of AC affects respiratory system and reduces the pulmonary functions which in turn decrease the lung volumes.

Keywords: Air-conditioner, pulmonary function tests, FVC, FEV1, PEFR

How to Cite?: Nivedhya K V, Praveena D, "Effect of Air Conditioner on Pulmonary Function among Bank Employees at Kannur District - A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 270-273, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25805114854, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25805114854