title: Pulmonary function decline in firefighters and non-firefighters in South Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare changes to pulmonary function among firefighters and non-firefighters who were exposed to harmful substances in their work environments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Firefighters (n = 322) and non-firefighters (n = 107) in Daegu who received a pulmonary function test in 2008 and 2011 as well as a regular health examination were included. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to evaluate the pulmonary function of the two groups over the three-year period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After adjusting for age, height, body mass index, duration of exposure, physical activity, and smoking, which were statistically different between the two groups and known risk factors of pulmonary function, the forced expiratory volume in one s FEV1, forced vital capacity FVC, and FEV1/FVC% over the 3 year period were significantly lower among firefighters compared with non-firefighters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evaluating the working environment of firefighters is difficult; however, our study revealed that pulmonary function declined in firefighters. Thus, more effort should be made to prevent and manage respiratory diseases early by preforming strict and consistent pulmonary function tests in firefighters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dongsan Medical Center of Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ju-Hwan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dongsan Medical Center of Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jae-Hong
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dongsan Medical Center of Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Mi-Young
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dongsan Medical Center of Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: In-Sung
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Chung
keywords: Firefighters; Pulmonary function test