Effect of biomass exposure on lung function

Abstract

Objective: In our country, biomass is used widespread in rural areas and indoor smoke exposure is frequent between women who use it. Studies examining the effects of prolonged exposure to biomass smoke on lung function are scarce. The assessment of the effects of age at onset of smoke use and duration of smoke exposure on lung functions was aimed. Methods: 474 female patients living in Kars-Kagizman rural regions and had exposure to biomass smoke were included in the study. The patients who had diagnosis of astma, chronic heart failure, and smoking history were excluded. After performing pulmonary function tests, biomass daily exposure duration, age at onset of use, weeks of exposure per month and total exposure duration(years) were recorded. Results: Mean age at the onset of biomass use was 19.4 +/- 4.7 and total years of duration was 22.0 +/- 12.9 years and the duration of daily use was 3.0 +/- 0.8 hours. Obstructive airway disease was identified in 130 (27.4%) patients. In these patients, age at onset of the biomass use was earlier (17.7 +/- 3.0 vs 20.1 +/- 5.0, p = 0.000) and total years of exposure was longer (37.6 +/- 7.8 vs 16.1 +/- 8.9 years, p = 0.000) when compared with patients with normal pulmonary function tests. The daily exposure time was no different between groups. The positive correlation between age at onset and FEV1 pp(r = 0.276, p = 0.000) was determined. Total exposure time and FEV1pp showed significant negative correlation (r = 0.917, p = 0.000). Conclusion: In our country, we can express that onset of biomass use on early age and longer duration of biomass exposure related with airway obstructive disease and the prevention of biomass use would be better effect on lung health.