Use Of Cooking Research Articles

Household air pollution from solid fuel use and depression among adults in rural China: evidence from the China Kadoorie Biobank data

BackgroundSolid fuels are still widely used for cooking in rural China, leading to various health implications. Yet, studies on household air pollution and its impact on depression remain scarce. Using baseline data from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between solid fuel use for cooking and depression among adults in rural China.MethodsData on exposure to household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels were collected and the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview short-form (CIDI-SF) was used to evaluate the status of major depressive episode. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between solid fuel use for cooking and depression.ResultsAmongst 283,170 participants, 68% of them used solid fuels for cooking. A total of 2,171 (0.8%) participants reported of having a major depressive episode in the past 12 months. Adjusted analysis showed that participants who had exposure to solid fuels used for cooking for up to 20 years, more than 20 to 35 years, and more than 35 years were 1.09 (95% CI: 0.94–1.27), 1.18 (95% CI: 1.01–1.38), and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.01–1.40) times greater odds of having a major depressive episode, respectively, compared with those who had no previous exposure to solid fuels used for cooking.ConclusionThe findings highlight that longer exposure to solid fuels used for cooking would be associated with increased odds of major depressive episode. In spite of the uncertainty of causal relationship between them, using solid fuels for cooking can lead to undesirable household air pollution. Reducing the use of solid fuels for cooking by promoting the use of clean energy should be encouraged.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HOUSEHOLD SOLID FUEL USE AND RISK OF SARCOPENIA: DATA FROM THE CHINA HEALTH AND RETIREMENT LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Objective: Few studies have examined the effects of air pollutants on the risk of sarcopenia, especially air pollution from indoor settings. We aimed to explore the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of household solid fuel use for cooking and heating, separately and simultaneously, with risk of sarcopenia. Design and method: Cross-sectional and follow-up data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used. Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear models and Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), respectively. We also calculated the extent of interaction or joint relations of sociodemographic and behavioral factors and household fuel use with sarcopenia. Results: 11,494 (median age: 57.0 years; 47.4% males) and 7,483 (median age: 57.0 years; 46.9% males) participants were included in the cross-sectional and follow-up study, respectively. After fully adjusting for covariates, both using solid fuels for cooking and heating were positively associated with incident sarcopenia in the longitudinal analyses, with hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) of 1.56 (1.28-1.89) and 1.26 (1.04-1.52), respectively. When comparing to those using clean fuels for both cooking and heating, participants using solid fuels for both cooking and heating were more likely to have incident sarcopenia [HR (95% CI):1.52 (1.19-1.93)]. In addition, compared with those persistently used clean fuel for cooking, significantly higher risk of new-onset sarcopenia was found in participants persistently used solid fuels [HR (95% CI):2.05 (1.55-2.71)]. Moreover, significant multiplicative and/or additive interactions were observed between age, smoking status and solid fuel use for cooking with risk of sarcopenia (all P for interaction < 0.05). Similar results were found in the cross-sectional analyses. Conclusions: Household solid fuel use was significantly associated with higher risk of sarcopenia. In addition, ageing and smoking had synergetic effects with burning solid fuels for increasing the risk of sarcopenia. Our results highlighted the importance of taking multi-pronged measures from both aspects of air pollution and health behavior to prevent sarcopenia and promote healthy ageing.

Association between solid fuel use and the risk of hypertension in China.

To assess the association between solid fuel use for cooking or heating and the risk of hypertension among individuals over 45 years of age. Baseline questionnaires were used to collect self-reported primary cooking and heating fuel usage. Outcomes were defined as the time of first diagnosis of hypertension. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. Solid fuel use for cooking was associated with a higher risk of hypertension. The association between solid fuel for cooking and hypertension remained significant among residents in north China, individuals aged 45-65 years, urban residents, and non-smokers. Solid fuel for heating was associated with a higher risk of hypertension only in South China. Solid fuel use may result in an increased risk of hypertension. Our findings further emphasize the health hazards of solid fuel for cooking and heating.

Iron Age combustion structures in the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula: an interdisciplinary experimental study

The aim of this research is to investigate the efficiency of combustion structures, the fuels used, the structure maintenance and the range of related domestic activities. An experimental programme was carried out in which replicas of archaeological Iron Age combustion structures were put to work. Based on the available archaeobotanical records, various fuel types (wood, grasses, palm leaves and animal dung) were used. Variables such as increased heating and times were measured in order to determine whether variations occurred depending on the fuels used, the type of structure, the location, or the weather conditions. The possibility of their use for cooking was also tested. A combination of methodologies was applied for integrated analyses: anthracology, phytoliths, calcitic microfossils, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, micromorphology and chemical analysis of hearth surfaces. Observations and data recorded during the experimental tasks, together with the results of the interdisciplinary analyses, contribute to a better understanding of the Iron Age archaeological combustion structures.

A Barter System for Used Palm Oil Traders: Islamic Law Perspective

This study aimed to determine the practice of purchasing and selling used cooking oil utilizing a barter system at UD Jelantah Sejahtera and examine the applicable Islamic law. This study employs a qualitative methodology with a deductive approach. There are two types of data sources: primary and secondary. The statistics were gathered through direct interviews with UD Jelantah Sejahtera Karanganyar, an oil collector, and three clients. Secondary data was gathered from many books, journals, and websites. The findings of this study are the barter mechanism or service of exchanging used goods for consumable goods, namely the exchange of used cooking oil products for good oil that is suitable for use in cooking. However, the oil exchanged by UD Jelantah Sejahtera is vegetable oil, such as cooking oil, that is no longer suitable for use and is commonly referred to as waste oil. Trading old cooking oil for fresh packaged cooking oil of varied quantities or volumes is allowed because cooking oil is not an Indonesian staple.

Association of long-term particulate matter exposure with all-cause mortality among patients with ovarian cancer: A prospective cohort

BackgroundEvidence of the association between particles with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) in long term and ovarian cancer (OC) mortality is limited. MethodsThis prospective cohort study analyzed data collected between 2015 and 2020 from 610 newly diagnosed OC patients, aged 18–79 years. The residential average PM2.5 concentrations 10 years before the date of OC diagnosis were assessed by random forest models at a 1 km × 1 km resolution. Cox proportional hazard models fully adjusted for the covariates (including age at diagnosis, education, physical activity, kitchen ventilation, FIGO stage, and comorbidities) and distributed lag non-linear models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of PM2.5 and all-cause mortality of OC. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 37.6 months (interquartile: 24.8–50.5 months), 118 (19.34 %) deaths were confirmed among 610 OC patients. One-year PM2.5 exposure levels before OC diagnosis was significantly associated with an increase in all-cause mortality among OC patients (single-pollutant model: HR = 1.22, 95 % CI: 1.02–1.46; multi-pollutant models: HR = 1.38, 95 % CI: 1.10–1.72). Furthermore, during 1 to 10 years prior to diagnosis, the lag-specific effect of long-term PM2.5 exposure on the all-cause mortality of OC had a risk increase for lag 1–6 years, and the exposure-response relationship was linear. Of note, significant interactions between several immunological indicators as well as solid fuel use for cooking and ambient PM2.5 concentrations were observed. ConclusionHigher ambient PM2.5 concentrations were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality among OC patients, and there was a lag effect in long-term PM2.5 exposure.

Laurus nobilis Leaves and Fruits: A Review of Metabolite Composition and Interest in Human Health

Laurus nobilis belongs to the family Lauraceae and is characterized by its evergreen nature. It is well known because of its traditional use in cooking and folk medicine. Many studies have been performed regarding its chemical composition and the pharmacological potential it exhibits. It has been reported to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, biocidal, antidiabetic, antiulcerogenic, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinergic properties, making this plant of great clinical importance. The main chemical compounds that show bioactive properties in L. nobilis are terpenoids, phenolics, and fatty acids. The purpose of this review is to describe the main use of L. nobilis, notably of the leaves and fruits, and to relate their metabolite content with their pharmacological and toxicological properties.

Prediction of Secondary Metabolites Content of Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) with Artificial Neural Networks Based on Different Temperatures and Storage times

Bay laurel leaves, also known as bay leaves, are an important herb in many cuisines around the world. In addition to their use in cooking, bay leaves have also been used for their medicinal properties and are thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) device was used to determine the secondary metabolites in the essential oil of bay laurel leaves samples kept at different temperatures (−22, −20, −18, 2, 4, 6, and 22°C) and storage times (1, 2, and 3 months). In this research, temperature (°C) and storage time (month) were used as input parameters in the neural network. On the other hand, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, sabinene, 1.8-cineole, gamma-terpinene, cymenol, linalool, borneol, 4-terpineol, caryophyllene, sabinene, alpha-terpineol, germacrene-D, alpha-selinene, methyl eugenol, caryophyllene oxide, spathulenol, eugenol, and beta-selinenol were used as an output parameter. Considering the R2 values obtained from the artificial neural network analysis, R2 values of 0.97156 for the test, 0.98978 for the training, 0.98998 for the validation value, and 0.98831 for all values were obtained.

Impacts of solid fuel use versus smoking on life expectancy at age 30 years in the rural and urban Chinese population: a prospective cohort study

The impact of solid fuel use on life expectancy (LE) in less-developed countries remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the potential impact of household solid fuel use on LE in the rural and urban Chinese population, with the effect of smoking as a reference. We used data from China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) of 484,915 participants aged 30-79 free of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cancer at baseline. Analyses were performed separately for solid fuel use for cooking, solid fuel use for heating, and smoking, with participants exposed to the other two sources excluded. Solid fuels refer to coal and wood, and clean fuels refer to electricity, gas, and central heating. We used a flexible parametric Royston-Parmar model to estimate hazard ratios of all-cause mortality and predict LE at age30. Totally, 185,077, 95,228, and 230,995 participants were included in cooking-, heating-, and smoking-related analyses, respectively. During a median follow-up of approximately 12.1 years, 12,725, 7,531, and 18,878 deaths were recorded in the respective analysis. Compared with clean fuel users who reported cooking with ventilation, participants who used solid fuels with ventilation and without ventilation had a difference in LE (95% confidence interval [CI]) at age 30 of-1.72 (-2.88,-0.57) and-2.62 (-4.16,-1.05) years for men and-1.33 (-1.85,-0.81) and-1.35 (-2.02,-0.67) years for women, respectively. The difference in LE (95% CI) for heating was-2.23 (-3.51,-0.95) years for men and-1.28 (-2.08,-0.48) years for women. In rural men, the LE reduction (95% CI) related to solid fuel use for cooking (-2.55;-4.51,-0.58) or heating (-3.26;-6.09, 0.44) was more than that related to smoking (-1.71;-2.54,-0.89). Conversely, in urban men, the LE reduction (95% CI) related to smoking (-3.06;-3.56,-2.56) was more than that related to solid fuel use for cooking (-1.28;-2.61, 0.05) and heating (-1.90;-3.16,-0.65). Similar results were observed in women but with a smaller magnitude. In this Chinese population, the harm to LE from household use of solid fuels was greater than that from smoking in rural residents. Conversely, the negative impact of smoking was greater than solid fuel use in urban residents. Our findings highlight the complexity and diversity of the factors affecting LE in less-developed populations. National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key R&D Program of China, Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, UK Wellcome Trust.

Recycled Household Ash in Rice Paddies of Bangladesh for Sustainable Production of Rice Without Altering Grain Arsenic and Cadmium

In Bangladesh most agronomic biomass (straw, husk, dried dung) is burnt for domestic cooking use. Consequently, the soil is continuously stripped of mineral nutrients and carbon (C) substrate. Here we investigate if recycling of household ash (ash) as fertilizer can sustainably improve soil fertility as well as minimise accumulation of toxic elements (As, Cd) in rice grain. Large scale field trials across two geographic regions (Barind, Madhupur) and two seasons (wet, dry) and with application of 3 fertiliser treatments (NPKS, ash, NPKS + ash) were conducted. At the end of each season, the impact of region*season*treatment on soil microbial comunities, rice yield, and grain quality (As, Cd, nutrient elements) was assessed. When compared to conventional field application rates of NPKS (control), application of ash boosted rice yield by circa. 20% in both regions during wet and dry season, with no effect on rice grain carcinogenic inorganic arsenic (iAs), dimethylarsonic acid (DMA) or cadmium (Cd), but with potential to increase zinc (Zn). For soil microbial communities, a significant region and season effect as well as correlation with elements in rice grain was observed, amongst these Cd, Zn, iAs and DMA. This study illustrates that application of ash can reduce the requirement for expensive chemical fertiliser, whilst at the same time increasing rice yield and maintaining grain quality, making farming in Bangladesh more sustainable and productive. The study also implies that the combined impact of region, season, and soil microbes determines accumulation of elements in rice grain.

Solid Fuel Use and the Progression of Multimorbidity in Middle-Aged Chinese Participants: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association of solid fuel use for cooking and heating with the progression of multimorbidity. Methods: A total of 5,437 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were included. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of the independent and joint effects of solid fuel use for cooking and heating with the progression of multimorbidity. Results: The proportion of participants reporting solid fuel use for both cooking and heating was 59.0% at baseline. Solid fuel use for both cooking and heating was associated with the progression of multimorbidity (adjusted OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.19-1.70), compared with clean fuel use for both. Conclusion: Solid fuel use for cooking and heating play an important role in the progression of multimorbidity. Therefore, solid fuel reduction should be considered in developing multimorbidity control and prevention programmes.

A Review on Efficacy of Spices and Herbs as per Ayurveda and Their Role as a Potent Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents

Bioactive compounds from spices and herbs play an important role to immunize our body system. From ancient time they are used as Ayurvedic medicine. This review mainly focuses on to the traditional medicinal uses of spices and herbs as per Ayurveda and their efficacy as a natural potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agents over synthetic one. The chemical component of essential oils were analysed by GC-MS and GC-FID techniques. Antioxidant activity was confirmed by different assays like DPPH assay, FRAP assay, ABTS assay, Hydroxy radical scavenging assay, NO scavenging assay etc. Quantitative estimation of phenol and flavonoid from different solvent extracts revealed the proportional relationship between concentration of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Zone of inhibition (in mm), MIC and MBC were measured to assess the antimicrobial activity against different pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogensis etc. Spices and herbs can be used as potent and safe Ayurvedic drug along with their use in cooking and seasoning different foods.

Development of a novel integrated hopper briquette machine for sustainable production of pellet fuels

Water hyacinth (WH) is a rapidly growing seaweed and a potential renewable energy source. WH biomass can be processed and compressed to briquettes for use in cooking and heating coal power plants. Biomass is typically processed and compressed using conventional briquette machines (CBM). The inability of the CBM to produce the desired amount of briquette fuel within the time frame provided has necessitated the development of an innovative and versatile hopper briquette machine (HBM). This machine is capable of producing billets from abundant biomass in the tropics. HBM as an adaptable machine is employed for the sustainable production of solid fuel. For the first time, this study targeted the development of HBM to address the problem associated with CBM. The HBM's central components include a base frame, feed hopper, barrel, thrust bearing, dies, heating element, and others. The efficiency of the novel machine and production capacity were computed to be 85% and 120 kg/h, respectively. At the second run, the HBM produced 30 billets in 20 minutes. The basic properties of the briquette fuel and billet comply with those in the literature. The billet generated can be utilized as solid fuels in local bakeries, restaurants, domestic and industrial settings.

Population Attributable Fraction of Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma in the United States.

Indoor gas stove use for cooking is associated with an increased risk of current asthma among children and is prevalent in 35% of households in the United States (US). The population-level implications of gas cooking are largely unrecognized. We quantified the population attributable fraction (PAF) for gas stove use and current childhood asthma in the US. Effect sizes previously reported by meta-analyses for current asthma (Odds Ratio = 1.34, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.12−1.57) were utilized in the PAF estimations. The proportion of children (<18 years old) exposed to gas stoves was obtained from the American Housing Survey for the US, and states with available data (n = 9). We found that 12.7% (95% CI = 6.3−19.3%) of current childhood asthma in the US is attributable to gas stove use. The proportion of childhood asthma that could be theoretically prevented if gas stove use was not present (e.g., state-specific PAFs) varied by state (Illinois = 21.1%; California = 20.1%; New York = 18.8%; Massachusetts = 15.4%; Pennsylvania = 13.5%). Our results quantify the US public health burden attributed to gas stove use and childhood asthma. Further research is needed to quantify the burden experienced at the county levels, as well as the impacts of implementing mitigation strategies through intervention studies.

Association of solid fuel use with a risk score capturing dementia risk among middle-aged and older adults: A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesWhether household air pollution is associated with dementia risk remains unknown. This study examined the associations between solid fuel use for cooking and heating (the main source of household air pollution) and dementia risk. MethodsThis analysis included data on 11,352 participants (aged 45+ years) from the 2011 wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, with follow-up to 2018. Dementia risk was assessed by a risk score using the Rotterdam Study Basic Dementia Risk Model (BDRM), which was subsequently standardized for analysis. Household fuel types of cooking and heating were categorized as solid (e.g., coal and crop residue) and clean (e.g., central heating and solar). Multivariable analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations. Moreover, we examined the joint associations of solid fuel use for cooking and heating with the BDRM score. ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, we found an independent and significant association of solid (vs. clean) fuel use for cooking and heating with a higher BDRM score (e.g., β = 0.17 for solid fuel for cooking; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15–0.19). Participants who used solid (vs. clean) fuel for both cooking and heating had the highest BDRM score (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.29–0.36). Subgroup analysis suggested stronger associations in participants living in rural areas. ConclusionsSolid fuel use for cooking and heating was independently associated with increased dementia risk in Chinese middle-aged and older adults, particularly among those living in rural areas. Our findings call for more efforts to facilitate universal access to clean energy for dementia prevention.

Application of COOK® cervical ripening balloon combined with artificial rupture of membranes and oxytocin in labor induction for full-term pregnancy

Objective: The use of COOK[Formula: see text] balloon in the process of induction of labor is gradually promoted. This study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of COOK[Formula: see text] double balloon in promoting the maturity of uterine neck, and whether COOK[Formula: see text] double balloon can improve the success rate of induced labor. Methods: A total of 343 pregnant women with full-term pregnancy in Shanghai Putuo Maternity &amp; Infant Health Hospital from January 1st to September 30th of 2016 were enrolled. Of all the pregnant women, 166 had labor induction, which included the use of a COOK[Formula: see text] balloon, the implementation of artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) and oxytocin intravenous (IV) drip (COOK[Formula: see text] group). The other 177 pregnant women with spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) and mature cervix only were administrated with oxytocin IV drip to promote regular uterus contraction (oxytocin group). Maternal adverse reactions, mode of delivery and delivery outcomes of two groups were subsequently compared between the two groups. Results: There were significant differences of maternal age ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text] years, [Formula: see text]), gestational age ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text] years, [Formula: see text]) and birth weight ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g, [Formula: see text]) between the COOK[Formula: see text] group and the oxytocin group. There were no significant differences in terms of gravidity, parity, mode of delivery, analgesia, 1 min and 5 min Apgar score, labor time, postpartum hemorrhage, and adverse events. Conclusion: Use of a COOK[Formula: see text] balloon may help in full-term pregnancy for women with immature cervix and to obtain the same pregnancy results as those with mature cervix, without extra occurrence of adverse events.

Associations between biomass fuel use and child health: a community-based study in Bhaktapur, Nepal

Abstract Background Biomass fuel use for cooking is widespread in low- and middle-income countries. Previous studies have mainly focused on adverse health outcomes in adults or specific diseases. In a cohort among young children living in Bhaktapur, Nepal, we aimed to describe the association between the use of biomass cooking fuels in families with child health using measures of linear growth, cognition and chronic illness. Methods Caregivers of 600 marginally stunted children aged 6-11 months were interviewed about their primary source of cooking fuel at enrolment into a randomized controlled trial. Children's body length (n = 572) was measured at age 18-23 months. At the same time, blood samples (n = 497) were taken, and we measured leukocyte telomere length (LTL) as a marker of chronic disease risk. We chose LTL expressed as z-scores as a measure of chronic disease. Cognitive abilities were measured by the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th edition (WPPSI-IV) and NEPSY-II subtests when the children were 4 years old (n = 531). Associations were estimated in multiple regression models. Results About 18% of all families used biomass as primary cooking fuel. Children from families using biomass fuel were on average slightly shorter (mean difference 0.14 Z-scores, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.00), had lower IQ scores (mean difference 2.2 (95% CI: 0.5, 3.9), and shorter LTL (mean difference: 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.13) compared to those not using biomass fuel. The observed associations were unaltered after adjusting for relevant confounders. Conclusions In children from households in poor, urban neighborhoods in Nepal, biomass fuel use for cooking was associated with health indicators for child growth and cognition as well as longevity and chronic illnesses reflected in shortening of telomeres. As this was an observational study, residual confounding cannot be excluded. Our findings support the ongoing effort to reduce exposure to biomass fuel in low-resource settings. Key messages

Household air pollution and childhood stunting in China: A prospective cohort study.

Exposure to air pollution, especially indoor air pollution, was associated with an increased risk of childhood stunting. However, few longitudinal studies have explored the long-term impacts of indoor air pollution from household solid fuel use on child growth. We aimed to investigate the association between household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel use and childhood stunting in Chinese children. The longitudinal data from the Chinese Family Panel Study over 2010-2018 were included in this study with a total of 6,013 children aged 0-15 years enrolled at baseline. Exposure to HAP was measured as solid fuel use for cooking, while solid fuel was defined as coal and firewood/straw according to the questionnaire survey. Stunting was defined as-2SD below the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of the reference children. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying exposures were employed to estimate the association between childhood stunting and HAP exposure. At baseline, children with exposure to HAP from combusting solid fuels had a relatively higher risk of stunting [OR (95%CI): 1.42 (1.24-1.63)]. Among children without stunning at baseline, those living in households with solid fuel use had a higher stunting risk over an 8-year follow-up [HR (95%CI): 2.05 (1.64-2.57)]. The risk of childhood stunting was increased for those with HAP exposure from firewood/straw combustion or with longer exposure duration [HR (95%CI): 2.21 (1.74-2.79) and 3.01 (2.23-4.08), respectively]. Meanwhile, this risk was significantly decreased among children from households switching from solid fuels to clean fuels [HR (95%CI): 0.53 (0.39-0.70)]. Solid fuel use was suggested to be a mediator of the relationship between poor socioeconomic factors (i.e., household income and parental education level) and childhood stunning, with a mediation effect ranging from 11.25 to 14.26%. HAP exposure from solid fuel use was associated with childhood stunting. Poor parental education and low household income might be socioeconomic factors contributing to solid fuel use. Therefore, household energy policies to facilitate access to clean fuels are urgently needed, especially for low-income and low-educated households.

Household solid fuel use and stroke incidence: Evidence from a national cohort study.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of global mortality and disability. No specific study has focused on the association between household solid fuel use for different purposes and incident stroke. Therefore, we explored the associations between household solid fuel use purposes and switches and incident stroke based on a national prospective cohort study. There were 12,485 participants included in this study after exclusions. The incidence density of stroke was 8.29 for every 1,000 person-years. Household solid fuel use simultaneously for heating and cooking had the largest hazard effect on stroke occurrence [hazard ratio (HR), 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07, 1.70] with a significant linear trend (P < 0.01). Solid fuel use for cooking was significantly associated with increased risk of stroke occurrence (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06, 1.51). Persistent clean fuel use for both heating and cooking associated with a lower risk of stroke occurrence (HR, 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.99), and switching from solid fuel to clean-fuel use for cooking associated with a lower risk of stroke occurrence (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73, 1.09) compared with persistent solid fuel use. Effective measures to improve the household cooking environment may be necessary to prevent incident stroke.

The association between household biomass fuel use and leukocyte telomere length among toddlers in Bhaktapur, Nepal

BackgroundBiomass fuels are still in use for cooking by many households in resource poor countries such as Nepal and is a major source of household air pollution (HAP). Chronic exposure to HAP has been shown to be associated with shorter telomere length in adults.ObjectivesTo measure the association between exposure related to household biomass fuel in infancy and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) at 18–23 months of age among 497 children from Bhaktapur, Nepal.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study design, we have collected information on household cooking fuel use and several clinical, anthropometric, demographic, and socioeconomic variables. We estimated the association between biomass fuel use and the relative LTL in multiple linear regression models.ResultsMost of the families (78%) reported liquified petroleum gas (LPG) as the primary cooking fuel, and 18.7% used biomass. The mean relative (SD) LTL was 1.03 (0.19). Children living in households using biomass fuel had on average 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.13) units shorter LTL than children in households with no biomass fuel use. The observed association was unaltered after adjusting for relevant confounders. The association between LTL and biomass use was strongest among children from households with ≤2 rooms and without separate kitchen.SignificanceExposure to biomass fuel use in early life might have consequences for longevity, and risk of chronic illnesses reflected in shortening of the telomeres. Our findings support the ongoing effort to reduce exposure to biomass fuel in low-resource settings.Impact statementsBiomass for cooking is a leading source of household air pollution in low and middle-income countries, contributing to many chronic diseases and premature deaths. Chronic exposure to biomass fuel through oxidative stress and inflammation has been associated with a shortening of the telomeres, a “biological marker” of longevity. This prospective cohort study describes the association between household biomass fuel use and leukocyte telomere length among 497 toddlers. Leukocyte telomere length was significantly shorter among children living in households with biomass fuel than in children from homes where mainly LPG was used for cooking.Clinical Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov: NCT02272842, registered October 21, 2014, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1161-5187 (September 8, 2014)