Lung Capacity of Smokers versus Non-Smokers By: Jillian Burns Tennessee Tech University Biology Department

Project Summary Problem: Does the lung capacity of individuals who smoke regularly compared to individuals who do not smoke have any differences? Goals: Through my research and data collection of smokers versus non-smokers I hope to validate my hypothesis. I expect that the lung capacity of smokers will be smaller in comparison to non-smokers.

Introduction Smoking is a habit that affects many individuals. There is no known cause of why individuals chose to smoke. The highest percentages of smokers were found among males aged between (Buhl 1977). Tobacco smoking is the single most important preventable cause of death in our society today (Robinson 1996).

Introduction Smoking can lead to many pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD can cause irreversible airflow limitation, increased pulmonary resistance and hyperinflation of the lungs (Kasuga et al 2003). The lung capacity has been shown to decrease greatly among individuals who smoke. My purpose of this experiment is to prove that smokers have a smaller lung capacity than non- smokers.

Hypothesis Statement I believe that the vital lung capacity of individuals who do not smoke will be greater than those individuals who smoke on a regular basis.

Methods and Materials The device I will be using to measure the vital lung capacity is called a spirometer. This measures the volume of air in liters. Each individual that I test I will collect their data with includes age, height, weight and gender. I will compare this data along with the lung capacity measurement to what the standard vital lung capacity should be.

Materials Spirometer ML 141 Measures volume of lung capacity in Liters

Data Form SexActual Lung Capacity (L) Normal Vital Lung Capacity (L) AgeHeight (ft)Weight (lb) Smoker 1Female3010 L4180 L195’5”135 Smoker 2Male3295 L4250 L215’9”155 Smoker 3Male3120 L4230 L226’1”170 Smoker 4Female3000 L3950 L225’4”132 Smoker 5Female3018 L3995 L235’4”136 Non-Smoker 1Female4200 L4190 L205’6”138 Non-Smoker 2Male4310 L4210 L216’1”167 Non-Smoker 3Female4110 L4015 L225’3”129 Non-Smoker 4Male4315 L4200 L195’9”171 Non-Smoker 5Female4205 L3900 L215’6”141

Results Using the Spitometer and the data that I collected from each individual I was able to calculate each person’s lung capacity. I compared this figure to the normal standard and this confirmed my hypothesis that smoking does decrease one’s lung capacity.

Results

Discussion “Smoking is the single largest cause of preventable disease and death in the world” (The Chemical Heritage Foundation 2001). This statement demonstrates the severity of smoking. In my experiment, I proved how smoking did decrease lung capacity. In my research I also found other experiments that were done concerning smoking and lung capacity and they too agreed with my hypothesis by saying, “smoking reduces the total lung capacity (Craig Hospital 2004).

Discussion However, smoking can have many more consequences on one’s body. The most common is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD can be categorized as either: chronic bronchitis or emphysema. “Most patients with this disease have a long history of heavy cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD (Apria Healthcare 2004).

Discussion In my experiment, I also found a number of individuals who had started smoking at a young age when the lung were still developing and growing. Some of the individuals I tested that were smokers began as young as 16 or 17. Young adults that begin smoking around the ago of years “are starting out with lower levels of lung function and they are on a track that puts them at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or decreased life expectancy” (New England Journal of Medicine 1996).

Acknowledgements I would like to thanks Tennessee Tech for their funding in my project. I would also like to thank Dr. Redding for assitance in materials needed for the project as well as all the individuals who volunteered in my experiment.

Questions?