Pulmonary function tests in rural women exposed to biomass fumes

Introduction: Exposure to the fumes produced as a result of burning of biomass used for cooking is considered a cause of chronic bronchitis, chronic airway obstruction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease The severity depends on duration of exposure. Present study was aimed to assess the lung function of rural women exposed to biomass fumes during cooking. Methodology: Women from Agashivnagar (104), a village free from any type of industrial air pollution were participants. A control group of age matched women (50) from the same area but not exposed to biomass fumes was taken. Both the groups were brought in department of Physiology where the pulmonary function tests were done which included FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second), FEV1/FVC ratio, PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate), MVV (Maximum Voluntary Ventilation) were carried. Before doing pulmonary function tests both types of participants were clinically examined to rule out pre-existing respiratory or cardiac problem not caused by biomass fume exposure. The values of tests were compared among groups and analyzed. Results: Compared to control group values of all tests (except FEV1/FVC ratio) were significantly reduced in study group women (p< 0.05). As per earlier studies done in India and abroad, we also found that there is impairment of the lung function in women exposed to biomass fumes compared to those not exposed to such fumes. The severity of exposure was directly related to the duration of exposure. Conclusion: Exposure to biomass fumes during cooking causes lung dysfunction in women. Some measures should be taken to prevent such exposure to the biomass fumes by proper ventilation, such as using a chimney to vent out the fumes, or by using fuels those do not produce such fumes.