LPG Users Research Articles

Indoor air pollution and hypertension disease burden among women using low-grade fuels

Exposures to indoor air pollution from the combustion of Low-grade Fuels (LgFs) is a leading risk factor for global disease burden. Emerging evidence suggest a potential role of PM2.5 exposures in Blood Pressure (BP) elevation. This study assessed the effects of Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) from the use of LgFs on hypertension disease burden among women in low-income settlements. We measured the kitchen concentrations and personal exposures to PM2.5 for users of LgFs compared with users of LPG in the city of Aba, Nigeria. The study also assessed hypertension markers for 328 adult women in the population. Association between PM2.5 exposures and BP was modelled with hierarchical multiple regression, adjusting for major covariates. The indoor PM2.5 concentrations for users of LgFs ranged from 47.5 to 800.0 μg/m3 while that for LPG users ranged from 33.0 to 112.5 μg/m3. The mean personal exposures were 152.3 μg/m3 and 58.3 μg/m3 for users of LgFs and LPG, respectively. The age-standardized hypertension prevalence in the population was 24.4 % and 15.6 % for users of LgFs and LPG, respectively. Exposures to PM2.5 moderately predicted SBP among users of LgFs but not among LPG users; the increase in 1 μg/m3 of PM2.5 exposure resulted to 0.44 mmHg increase in SBP among users LgFs. Long-term exposures to IAP from the use of low-grade fuels is associated with increased SBP and greater risks of systemic hypertension. These findings reinforce the need for public policies towards improving access to, and affordability of LPG as an alternative household fuel.

Assessment of a clean cooking fuel distribution scheme in rural households of India – “Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)”

This study assessed the health benefits and change in the quality of life of beneficiaries of the flagship scheme of the government of India for clean cooking fuel, known as Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). A large-scale survey consisting of 69 questions was carried out in six states of India. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were also monitored using low-cost sensor devices. Of 2366 surveyed households, >40 % of the LPG users have reported significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the general health of the primary cooking person. Around 55 % of the surveyed LPG users have reported fewer episodes of respiratory illnesses in themselves and their family members post-LPG (PMUY) connections. The respondents from Rajasthan, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh show a strong signal for improvement in their overall health using LPG. The study also quantified the challenges encountered in continuing LPG refilling. Over 38 % of the LPG users had refilled their cylinders only 0–2 times in the preceding six months. Around 47 % of LPG users have reported refilling cost as a limiting factor for cylinder refilling. The high PMUY connection villages' indoor environments have 10 to 20 % less average concentration of PM2.5 than the low connection villages. The study findings will help the government better implement and assess the expected PMUY paybacks regarding beneficiaries' health and quality of life.

The association between different types of cooking fuels and common health problems: north India region

Background: The fuel used for cooking is a major source of indoor air pollution because of inefficient combustion and inadequate ventilation. This study was conducted to see if there is any association between the type of cooking fuel and common health problems in light of inadequate ventilation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; 688 subjects were selected randomly from various sectors and the outlying areas of Surajkund. The impact of indoor air pollution on health was assessed by questionnaires, general physical examination, and pulmonary function testing. Results: One of the key findings of the study has been the implication of LPG, touted as a safe, non-polluting fuel with a definite negative impact on health. There was significantly more breathlessness experienced by LPG users as opposed to the users of wood and cow dung. Though the prevalence of fever in both groups was similar, chest pain, burning of eyes, and fatigue were reported by wood and cow dung users much more frequently. The pulmonary function test showed restrictive pathology in cow dung and wood users, whereas obstructive pathology in LPG users. Conclusions: LPG is considered “clean” fuel because it does not produce visible emissions. However, improper burner design, blocking and clogging of the flue vent, and insufficient combustion air result in improper combustion and the emission of aldehydes, CO, hydrocarbons, and other organics. It would be folly to believe that LPG is harmless. Even a harmless material may become harmful if used inappropriately.

PS-P03-11: EFFECT OF CLEANER COOKING FUEL (LPG) ON CARDIOPULMONARY HEALTH IN WOMEN FROM RURAL MAHARASHTRA

Background and Objective: Air pollution generated due to the use of solid fuels is recognized to be an environmental and health risk globally, especially in developing countries. Exposure to household air pollution is estimated to kill 3.8 million people worldwide. Major victims are women who are the immediate users. In an attempt to address this issue, the Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) which provides clean LPG cooking gas to first-time users. However, it is majorly being promoted as a scheme about providing cooking gas to those who don’t have it but the health benefits of the scheme are not being focused. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of LPG on cardiopulmonary health in women. Design and method: A total of 997 healthy women participants (808 primary cooks and 189 secondary cooks) who cooked either with biomass or with LPG were enrolled. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), blood glucose was measured in all study participants and data on 24-hour personal exposure to fine particulate matter &lt; 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and lung function (by spirometry) were measured on a subset using a standard protocol. Socio-demographic data, cooking practices and other information were collected using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done in SPSS v26. Results: Results highlighted that SBP, DBP, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure and glucose level were significantly higher in the biomass group compared to the LPG group in both primary and secondary cooks. The prevalence of hypertension in primary and secondary cooks was 29.5 and 33.6 respectively in biomass users compared to 21.1 and 13.4 in LPG users. Higher number of obstructive airway pattern (n = 10; 6.4% vs n = 2 1.3%), restrictive airway pattern (n = 31; 19.7 % vs n = 19; 12.5 %) and small airway obstruction (n = 55; 35.0 % vs n = 22; 14.4 %) was observed in biomass group compared to LPG group respectively. After adjusting for age, BMI and study group, it was seen that biomass exposure index (odds ratio [OR] 2.288; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.169, 4.479, P = 0.016) and PM2.5 levels (OR 1.065; 95% CI 1.035, 1.096, P &lt; 0.001) significantly increased the odds of having hypertension. Conclusions: Based on preliminary analysis, it can be concluded that the use of biomass is significantly associated with an increased risk of hypertension and impaired lung function. Thus, adoption of cleaner cooking fuels like LPG will have meaningful clinical and public health benefits.

Health impacts of solid fuel use in Ghana: A nationally representative assessment of cooking-related burns

BACKGROUND AND AIM Burns and burn-related injuries are still a major public health problem. Every day, over 30,000 people suffer new severe burns worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden (70%) of these burns. While burn prevention strategies have successfully been implemented in high-income countries, a paucity of data regarding the incidence and risk factors of burns in LMICs limits their expansion. Here, we aimed to describe the country-level incidence of serious cooking-related burns in Ghana and to identify household-level risk factors for adults and children. METHODS We conducted a nationally representative household energy use survey in Ghana in 2020. The final sample included 7,389 households across 370 enumeration areas in all 16 regions of Ghana. An adapted version of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves Burns Surveillance Module was administered to each respondent. We computed incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals using the Byar’s approximation and conducted univariate logistic regression to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS Out of 7,389 households, we documented 129 serious cooking-related burns which had occurred in the previous 12 months. Slightly more than half (55%) of those burns occurred among adults. The incidence rate (95% CI) of cooking-related burns per 1000 person-years was 9.7 (7.7; 12) and 11 (8.5; 14) among adults and children respectively. Among adults, the odds (95% CI) of experiencing a serious cooking-related burn were 2.29 (1.02; 5.14) and 2.40 (1.04; 5.55) times higher among primary wood and charcoal users respectively compared to primary LPG users. No children burns were documented in households where LPG was primarily used. CONCLUSIONS Using a nationally representative sample, we characterized the incidence of cooking-related burns across demographic groups in Ghana. Solid fuel use compared to LPG use doubled the odds of experiencing such burns. KEYWORDS Burns; Solid fuel; Energy access; LMICs; Ghana

Effects of indoor air pollution on tribal community in rural India and health risk assessment due to domestic biomass burning: a realistic approach using the lung deposition model.

Indoor air pollution from the combustion of biomass fuel and associated health risks is a critical issue in developing countries. Concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 are measured in Birbhum, West Bengal, during 2017-2018. PM2.5-bound elemental concentrations of twelve metals are determined in rural kitchens. The results showed higher toxicological risks in BMF (1.15) than the LPG users (0.14). The risk of non-carcinogenic exposure related with dermal contact and ingestion was observed in the acceptable limits (HQ < 1) for all age groups, and the risk associated with inhalation exposure from Cr, Ni, As, and Mn exceeded the acceptable limit. Results also suggest that carcinogenic risks from ingestion and dermal contact are within the acceptable limit (1 × 10-4-1 × 10-6) except Cr and As which were found to exceed the range. The deposition flux (Dφ) for multiple metals in the head airway region, tracheobronchial region, and alveolar regions was found to be higher in teenagers as compared to other groups, whereas the value was lower in infants. Further, it was notified from the Dφ that the metals could pass through the head airways and harm the tracheobronchial tree and alveolar region, increasing the risk of human health.

Study of the Lung Function Tests in Healthy Non-Smoking Women Using Different Cooking Fuels

Background: In developing country like India still a large group of women use biomass as the cookingfuel in a poorly ventilated cooking area and it is considered as a major risk factor for respiratory diseases.Throughthis study we sought to find the effect of biomass and LPG fuel use on the lung function by studspirometry.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural and urban areas of Ghaziabad. We assessedthe lung function in 100 non-smoker females (50 biomass and 50 LPG fuel users) and studies the presenceof any correlation between lung function and the duration of exposure.Results: Compared to LPG users biomass fuel users had significantly lower values of FVC (p = 0.007), FEV1(p = 0.0024), FEV1/FVC (p &lt;0.0001) and PEFR (p = 0.007). Statistically significant negative correlationwas also found between exposure index and spirometry values in both the groups.Conclusion: Biomass fuel has a more adverse effect on the lung function and the lung function decline isassociated with the exposure duration.

Using longitudinal survey and sensor data to understand the social and ecological determinants of clean fuels use and discontinuance in rural Ghana

Efforts to reduce the health and ecological burdens of household biomass combustion are underway in Ghana, principally by promoting clean cookstoves and fuels. Recent studies have focused on the sustained use of clean cookstoves, but sometimes household adopt a new cookstove and then end use of that stove. In this study, we introduce a novel framework for understanding and encouraging household transitions to cleaner cooking: clean fuel discontinuance. We leveraged data from the Ghana Randomized Air Pollution and Health Study (GRAPHS) (N = 1412) where pregnant women received either improved biomass (BioLite) or dual burner LPG stoves for free. LPG users were given free LPG refills during GRAPHS. Weekly questionnaires were administered. Stove use monitors tracked a sub-cohort (n = 220) 6 months before and after the fuel subsidy. We examined social and ecological determinants of stove use and discontinuance. Overall intervention stove use adherence was high throughout GRAPHS, with self-reported use at 69% and 86% of participant-weeks for BioLite and LPG arms respectively. Participants used intervention stoves less for meals requiring vigorous stirring. Burns from intervention stoves decreased use among BioLite (RR: 0.96, p = 0.009), but not LPG users. Device breakage was mentioned as an impediment in 18% of free-text responses for LPG users and 1% for BioLite. Tree canopy within a spatial buffer—a plausible proxy for biomass fuels access—was the only variable explaining LPG discontinued stove use in adjusted Cox time-to-event analyses (HR = −0.56, p < 0.001). Future studies should consider the stove use discontinuance framework.

A Study on Customer Attitude and Satisfaction towards HP Gas Company LPG Users in Theni District

The present scenario in LPG industry there are many opportunities for LPG to contribute to improve living standards. LPG sector is constantly facing challenges from the market. LPG is not commonly found in rural areas where biomass use tends to be highest and where the health effects of smoke are also highest. The main purpose of the study is to understand the approach and satisfaction of consumer towards sales and service of LPG agency which will help the company to make proper marketing strategy to rendered good services and satisfy the needs of the customer. Customers also have the right to select their suppliers of LPG as well as good service quality

Effect of kerosene and biomass fuel as cooking medium on pulmonary function of adult nontobacco addict homemaker women residing in slums of Ahmedabad City, Gujarat.

Combustion of kerosene and biomass fuel in the kitchen as cooking medium is one of the major sources of indoor air pollution. Such contaminated indoor air quality adversely affects the respiratory health of exposed individuals over a period of time. Homemaker women especially residing in slum areas are always vulnerable to indoor air-pollution-related health hazards. The objective is to assess the relationship between various socio-demographic factors and usage patterns of cooking fuel; and to determine the effect of cooking medium namely biomass, kerosene on pulmonary function parameters. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out during April 2012 - April 2016 among 531 nontobacco addicted adult primary homemaker women residing in slums of Ahmedabad city of Gujarat. Basic information-related socio-demographic parameters were collected on a pretested questionnaire. Pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters were evaluated with standard techniques. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS software (version 17.0). Statistical tests of significance between groups and mean along with multivariate linear regression analysis were applied. Predominant cooking medium for nearly 40% of slum households were kerosene and biomass. Mean value of forced expiratory volume in the 1st s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly lower among Kerosene and biomass users compared to LPG users. Multivariate regression analysis with involvement of PFT parameters, cooking medium, and environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) shows, deprivation of both FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were significantly related with the usage of kerosene and biomass; whereas no relation found with ETS. Reduction of pulmonary function parameters among the study participants were related with kerosene and biomass fuel usage in the kitchen.

Exposure to household air pollution during first 3 years of life and IQ level among 6–8-year-old children in India – A cross-sectional study

Many illnesses have been attributed to the exposure of solid biomass smoke but the effect on intelligence has largely been unexplored. The study aims to examine the effect of exposure to solid biomass smoke during the first 3 years of life on intelligence among 6–8-year-old children. Children aged 6–8 years were enrolled from a primary school and their houses were visited to collect data on socio-economic status and household exposure assessment. Households using LPG as cooking fuel were considered as the unexposed group. All the children were tested for their Intelligence Quotient (IQ) using Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC). The mean IQ was calculated as the average of Verbal and Performance score. Potential confounders were adjusted using multivariate general linear model. About 45% of children had average or above-average IQ while the rest had below-average IQ. The mean scores for the arithmetic component of IQ were found to be significantly lower among solid biomass fuel users as compared to LPG users after adjusting for confounders. The mean IQ of LPG users were 5.58 points higher (95% CI: 0.46–10.1) for the arithmetic component as compared to solid biomass users. Children living in the houses using solid biomass fuel for cooking have lower IQ as compared to the children living in the houses using LPG for cooking for arithmetic component even after adjusting for potential confounders.

A cross-sectional study of natural LPG users in rural Bangladesh

A cross-sectional study of natural LPG users in rural Bangladesh

Indoor Air Pollution and Reduced Lung Function in Biomass Exposed Women: A Cross Sectional Study in Pune District, India

Background Worldwide, majority population rely on solid fuels for cooking and heating, mainly in low and middle-income countries. The inefficient use of such fuels in poorly ventilated conditions results in high levels of indoor air pollution, most seriously affecting women and young children Objectives: The main aim of this study was to measure and compare the lung function of the women exposed to biomass fuels and LPG fuels and relate it to the indoor emission, measured using a structured questionnaire, spirometer and filter based low volume samplers. Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among the women (aged >18 years) living in rural villages of Pune district who were not diagnosed of chronic pulmonary diseases or any other respiratory diseases and using biomass fuels or LPG for cooking for a minimum period of five years or more. Data collection was done from April to June 2017 in the dry season. Spirometer was performed using the portable, batteryoperated ultrasound EasyOne spirometer (Spirobank II, ndd Medical Technologies, Zurich, Switzerland) to determine the lung function over forced expiratory volume. The primary outcome variable was forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ). Secondary outcome was chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (post bronchodilator FEV1 /forced vital capacity (FVC)< 70%) as defined by the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease. Potential confounders such as age, height, weight, smoking history, occupation, educational status was considered. Results Preliminary results showed that the lung function of the women using biomass fuels (FEV1 /FVC = 85% ± 5.13) had comparatively reduced lung function than the LPG users (FEV1 /FVC = 86.40% ± 5.32). The mean PM2.5 mass concentration in the biomass user’s kitchen was 274.34 ± 314.90 and 85.04 ± 97.82 in the LPG user’s kitchen. Black carbon amount was found higher in the biomass users (black carbon = 46.71 ± 46.59 µg/m³) than LPG users (black carbon =11.08 ± 22.97 µg/m³). Most of the houses used separate kitchen. Almost all the houses that used the clean fuel like LPG had minimum amount of the particulate matter 2.5 which might be due to the background pollution and cross ventilation from the houses using biomass. Conclusions: Therefore, there is an urgent need to adopt various strategies to improve indoor air quality. There is a lacking current state of climate active pollutants emission from different stove designs and identify major deficiencies that need to be tackled. Moreover, the advancement in research tools, measuring technique in particular, is critical for researchers in developing countries to improve their capability to study the emissions for addressing the growing climate change and public health concerns.

Evaluation of LPG Use as a Clean Cooking Fuel in South West Cameroon: Findings from Community Surveys from the LPG Adoption in Cameroon Evaluation (Lace) Studies

Background: Most households in Cameroon rely on solid fuel for cooking. The government haslaunched a Master Plan to increase LPG use from &amp;lt;20% to 58% by 2035 to address deforestationand energy security issues. To understand how to support communities transition from solid fuelto LPG, LACE surveys assessed household characteristics and perceptions of LPG in different fuelusing groups.Methods: After rapid census, 320 households from rural and peri-urban communities in SWCameroon were randomly selected into 4 fuel-use groups: exclusive LPG (n&amp;#61;51), primary LPG(n&amp;#61;52), mixed LPG and biomass (n&amp;#61;113) and exclusive wood (n&amp;#61;104). Surveys collectedinformation on (i) household characteristics and fuel use practices, (iii) perceptions of LPG and (iv)experience of health issues and burns.Results: Amongst LPG users, distance from retailer (refills) impacted on more exclusive use (travel&amp;gt; 5km: 15% of LPG exclusive/ primary users vs 24% of LPG mixed). Greater income, education anda younger age were associated with increasing LPG use (p&amp;lt;0.05). Perceptions of LPG as a cookingfuel differed by amount of LPG use. 85% of LPG exclusive users reported LPG could be used formost foods compared to 40% of wood exclusive users (p&amp;lt;0.05). Increasing LPG use was associatedwith increased reporting of LPG as a clean and fast fuel and cost was less of an issue. In all groups,LPG was perceived as potentially dangerous (&amp;gt;75% reporting). The occurrence of cough andphlegm was low in all groups, whilst a higher proportion of exclusive wood users reported soreeyes (60% vs 29% (LPG exclusive) p&amp;lt;0.005) and burns (23% vs 10% p&amp;#61;0.007) .Conclusion: Potential barriers to adoption and more exclusive use of LPG include its perceivedability to cook most foods, perceptions over its safety and distance from retail outlets. Householdincome is a strong indicator of usage. Education strategies (health and safety) and financialsupport mechanisms (e.g. microfinance) could help scaling LPG adoption

Indoor air pollution in rural north-east India: Elemental compositions, changes in haematological indices, oxidative stress and health risks

Chronic smoke exposure, emitted by biomass fuel burning leads to many diseases, which are originated due to oxidative stress. The present study investigated the levels of PM2.5, PM10 and PM2.5 bound trace metals released during cooking with fuelwood and subsequent changes in haematological parameters along with oxidative stress in rural tribal women of northeast India exposed to wood smoke. The levels of PM2.5, PM10 and trace metals associated with PM2.5 (nickel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, cadmium, lead and copper) were measured. In addition, blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of different blood related parameters (haemoglobin, platelet count, red blood cells and white blood cells) and levels of antioxidants (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase). Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation. Health risk assessment was done to assess the potential risk posed by inhalation of fine particles emitted from cooking with fuel wood. Levels of both PM2.5 and PM10 were higher in wood users compared to LPG users during cooking period (644.4 ± 368.3 µg/m³ vs 50 ± 23.8 µg/m³; 915 ± 441.3 µg/m³ vs 83.3 ± 33 µg/m³) and it exceeded the permissible limits of WHO. Levels of trace metals during the cooking period in fuel wood users were significantly higher than LPG users (p = 0.01). After controlling possible confounders, both platelet count and white blood cells (WBC) had a significant positive association with PM2.5and PM10. Similarly, haemoglobin had a negative association with both PM2.5 and PM10. Depleted levels of antioxidant enzymes and increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) suggest a close association with pollutants released from wood smoke, indicating oxidative stress in women who used fuelwood for cooking. The total hazard quotient (HQ) of 0.11 was within the acceptable limit (i.e., 1.0). The total excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was 5.4 × 10−6 which is five times higher than the acceptable limit of 1.0 × 10−6. Individual carcinogenic risk of Ni (2.3 × 10−6) and Cd (3.1 × 10−6) were also higher compared to acceptable limit. These results indicate that tribal women cooking with wood are at greater risk of developing cancer and also give support to the positive association between wood smoke and oxidative stress.

Assessment of Indoor & Outdoor Black Carbon emissions in rural areas of Indo-Gangetic Plain: seasonal characteristics, source apportionment and radiative forcing

Black Carbon (BC) has been widely recognized as the second largest source of territorial and global climate change as well as a threat to human health. There has been serious concern of BC emission and its impact in Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) due to the use of biomass and fossil fuels for cooking, transportation and industrial activities. An attempt has been made to study indoor (Liquefied Petroleum Gas- LPG & Traditional cookstoves users households) and outdoor concentrations; seasonal characteristics; radiative forcing and source of apportionment of BC in three districts (Sitapur, Patna and Murshidabad) of IGP during January to December 2016. The seasonal concentrations of BC in LPG (traditional cookstoves) users households were 3.79 ± 0.77 μgm−3 (25.36 ± 5.01 μgm−3) during the winter; 2.62 ± 0.60 μgm−3 (16.36 ± 3.68 μgm−3) during the pre-monsoon; 2.02 ± 0.355 μgm−3 (8.92 ± 1.98 μgm−3) during the monsoon and 2.19 ± 0.47 μgm−3 (15.17 ± 3.31 μgm−3) during the post-monsoon seasons. However, the outdoor BC concentrations were 24.20 ± 4.46, 19.80 ± 4.34, 8.87 ± 1.83, and 9.14 ± 1.84 μgm−3 during winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons respectively. The negative radiative forcing (RF) at the surface suggests a cooling effect while a warming effect appears to be occurring at the top of the atmosphere. The atmospheric forcing of BC and aerosols also show a net warming effect in the selected study areas. The analysis of BC concentrations and fire episodes indicated that the emissions from biomass burning increases the pollution concentration. The backward trajectory analysis through the HYSPLIT model also suggests an additional source of pollutants during winter and pre-monsoon seasons from the northwest and northern region in the IGP.

Hypertensive and toxicological health risk among women exposed to biomass smoke: A rural Indian scenario

This study shows that exposure to air pollutants from indoor cooking fuel combustion may be associated with elevated Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Heart rate and Body mass index (BMI) in rural women of India. 60 premenopausal women (using solely agriculture residues, wood, dung, straw, leaf) and 30 women (solely using clean fuel, LPG) were recruited for this study. An ethically approved questionnaire was used in the study and health parameters were measured by standard instruments. Eight pollutants were measured by calibrated instruments, applied both in the living room as well as kitchens of test-subjects. The Test-subjects were divided into two groups, LPG users, and biomass users, and the toxicological risk was assessed by measurement of PM2.5 levels in the given indoor environments. The concentrations of all the pollutants were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in biomass users than in LPG using households, except in the case of O3 (p < 0.403) at the time of cooking. Results highlighted that DBP (p < 0.070), SBP (p < 0.143), Heart rate (p < 0.002) and BMI (p < 0.052) were varied in the two fuel user groups. In the case of biomass fuel user toxicological risk was higher (5.21) than LPG users (0.69). Moreover, Symptoms like asthma (25%), cough (76.67%), dizziness (36.67%), eye irritation (88.33%), and shortness of breath (43.33%) were highly prevalent among biomass users than in LPG users. The study highlighted that Biomass using women are more prone to cardiovascular disease and policies should be formulated for their sustainable health.

“A comparative study of lung functions of non-smoker persons using biomass fuels with that of persons using LPG gas in cooking.

Objective: To compare lung functions of non-smoker persons using biomass fuels with that of persons using LPG gas in cooking. Method(s): The study is field based and conducted in rural area of Rajasthan represents Indian field population.184 non smoker healthy persons aged between 16 to 30 years and using LPG or Biomass fuel for more than 10 years were recruited in this study. Out of them, 88 were LPG users and 96 were BIOMASS users. Personss who were smoker, non-healthy, age 60 Yr’s, Unwillingness to participate in study, Previous or present respiratory, cardiovascular or other major illness, Seriously ill patients, Passive smoking, Dusty occupation, who were not able to perform spirometry were excluded from study. All demographic variables and vitals were recorded. A through physical examination carried out and recorded. Lung function of these subjects was evaluated via spirometry. Data was tabulated and concerned values were calculated. Result(s): In BIOMASS group FEV1/FVC ratio range from 0.43 to 0.97. Mean FEV1/FVC ratio was0.806. In LPG group FEV1/FVC ratio range from 0.67 to 0.99. Mean FEV1/FVC ratio was0.849. FEV1/FVC ratio was lower in BIOMASS user group. It was statistically significant (p value 0.002). In females of both groups, the difference between FEV1/FVC was statistically significant ( p value <.000). Conclusion(s): Our study showed that BIOMASS users had a lower FEV1/FVC. Female of BIOMASS users had lower FEV1 and FEV1/FVC as compared to LPG users. Thus BIOMASS use might causes obstructive respiratory pathology.

Higher AgNOR Expression in Metaplastic and Dysplastic Airway Epithelial Cells Predicts the Risk of Developing Lung Cancer in Women Chronically Exposed to Biomass Smoke.

We evaluated AgNOR expression in airway epithelial cells (AECs) as a risk factor of lung carcinogenesis in 228 nonsmoking women exposed to biomass fuel (BMF). A total of 185 age-matched women who cooked with cleaner fuel (liquefied petroleum gas [LPG]) were enrolled as study controls. Compared with controls, Papanicolaou-stained sputum samples showed 4 and 8 times higher prevalence of metaplasia and dysplasia, respectively, in AECs of BMF users. AgNOR staining showed significantly larger numbers of dots and larger size and percentage of AgNOR-occupied nuclear area in normal AECs of BMF users than in controls. Interestingly, AgNOR parameters increased dramatically when the cells were transformed from normalcy to metaplasia and dysplasia. Compared with LPG users, BMF users showed a marked rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and a depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD), indicating oxidative stress. Indoor air of BMF-using households had 2-5 times more particulate pollutants (PM10 and PM2.5), 73% more nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and 4 times more particulate-laden benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], but no difference in sulfur dioxide was observed. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) study estimated a 6-fold rise in benzene metabolite trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) in urine of BMF users. After controlling confounding factors using multivariate logistic regression, positive associations were observed between cellular changes, AgNOR parameters, and PM10, PM2.5, NO2, B(a)P, and t,t-MA levels, especially the concentration of B(a)P. In conclusion, cumulative exposure to biomass smoke causes oxidative stress and enhances AgNOR expression in precancerous metaplastic and dysplastic AECs and appears to be a risk factor for developing lung cancer.

Trends in multi-pollutant emissions from a technology-linked inventory for India: II. Residential, agricultural and informal industry sectors

Dispersed traditional combustion technologies, characterized by inefficient combustion and significant emissions, are widely used in residential cooking and “informal industries” including brick production, food and agricultural product processing operations like drying and cooking operations related to sugarcane juice, milk, food-grain, jute, silk, tea and coffee. In addition, seasonal agricultural residue burning in field is a discontinuous source of significant emissions. Here we estimate fuel consumption in these sectors and agricultural residue burned using detailed technology divisions and survey-based primary data for 2010 and projected between 1996 and 2015. In the residential sector, a decline in the fraction of solid biomass users for cooking from 79% in 1996 to 65% in 2010 was offset by a growing population, leading to a nearly constant population of solid biomass users, with a corresponding increase in the population of LPG users. Emissions from agriculture followed the growth in agricultural production and diesel use by tractors and pumps. Trends in emissions from the informal industries sector followed those in coal combustion in brick kilns. Residential biomass cooking stoves were the largest contributors to emissions of PM2.5, OC, CO, NMVOC and CH4. Highest emitting technologies of BC were residential kerosene wick lamps. Emissions of SO2 were largely from coal combustion in Bull's trench kilns and other brick manufacturing technologies. Diesel use in tractors was the major source of NOx emissions. Uncertainties in emission estimates were principally from highly uncertain emission factors, particularly for technologies in the informal industries.