Evaluation of Peripheral Capillary Oxygen Saturation and Pulmonary Functions of Subjects Exposed to Soot in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Nigeria

The present study reports for the first time, the effects of soot exposure on peripheral capillary oxygen saturation and pulmonary functions among residents of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. In the present study, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation level and respiratory indices ie pulmonary functions were evaluated among soot exposed residents in Yenagoa, Nigeria and the values compared with apparently healthy residents of a less polluted region in the same city. A total of 300 subjects within the ages of 18 to 65 consisting of 200 subjects living within soot exposed areas and 100 subjects who live 2km away from the polluted environment. Using questionnaires, personal data of each participant were collected. The questionnaire focused on sex, age, height and weight, duration of stay in Yenagoa, oxygen saturation level, respiratory indices, pulse rate, smoking habit, pregnancy and lung conditions. Hospital scale balance and calibrated metre rule were used to collect their anthropometric data while oxygen saturation, pulse rate and respiratory indices were measured using Sp-10 pocket spirometer and Pulse oximeter.The  results from the study population shows a significant decrease in PEFR, FEF and pulse rates of exposed subjects compared with the control. Meanwhile no statistical differences were observed in BMI, FVC, FEV₁and oxygen saturation level between the exposed and the control subjects except the BMI of the exposed subjects across their various age groups. There was a negative correlation observed in the plot against age and BMI versus respiratory indices. This study shows that the subjects living within soot polluted environment possess lower lung function indices compared with those living two kilometres away from the polluted environment, in Yenagoa, Nigeria.