Persistent exposure to wood smoke is associated with variations in biochemical and hematological indices among regular wood burners in the Cape Coast metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Background Acute and chronic exposure to wood smoke is associated with adverse health effects. This study investigated the potential effect of persistent exposure to woodsmoke on hematological and biochemical indices among regular wood burners in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Methodology A total of 101 consenting participants were recruited into the study. Serum lipids (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and non-HDL), renal function (urea, creatinine), liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were measured using an automated analyzer. The full blood count of participants was also measured with an FBC automated analyzer. Demographic and lifestyle data of the participants were obtained with the help of questionnaires. Results Individuals exposed to wood smoke were older (47.21±1.583), smoked fish [36(47.4%)] and were predominantly females. Female preponderance [75(98.7%), P = 0.046], low haemoglobin (HGB) [OR= 6.553 (95%CI=1.431 to 30.01), P = 0.0094], low MCV [OR=12.43(95%CI=0.7133 to 216.5), P = 0.018], low MCH [OR=4.145(95%CI=1.284 to 13.38), P = 0.0151], low MCHC [OR=9.844(95%CI=3.029 to 31.99), P Conclusion Wood smoke exposure is associated with variations in some biochemical and hematological indices among study participants.