BACKGROUND: The use of biomass for cooking and heating is considered an important factor associated with respiratory diseases. However, few studies evaluate the amount of particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), symptoms and lung function in the same population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the respiratory effects of biomass combustion and compare the results with those of individuals from the same community in Brazil using liquefied petroleum gas (Gas). METHODS: 1402 individuals in 260 residences were divided into three groups according to exposure (Gas, Indoor-Biomass, Outside-Biomass). Respiratory symptoms were assessed using questionnaires. Reflectance of paper filters was used to assess particulate matter exposure. In 48 residences the amount of PM2.5 was also quantified. Pulmonary function tests were performed in 120 individuals. RESULTS: Reflectance index correlated directly with PM2.5 (r=0.92) and was used to estimate exposure (ePM2.5). There was a significant increase in ePM2.5 in Indoor-Biomass and Outside-Biomass, compared to Gas. There was a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for cough, wheezing and dyspnea in adults exposed to Indoor-Biomass (OR=2.93, 2.33, 2.59, respectively) and Outside-Biomass (OR=1.78, 1.78, 1.80, respectively) compared to Gas. Pulmonary function tests revealed both Non-Smoker-Biomass and Smoker-Gas individuals to have decreased %predicted-forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) as compared to Non-Smoker-Gas. Pulmonary function tests data was inversely correlated with duration and ePM2.5. The prevalence of airway obstruction was 20% in both Non-Smoker-Biomass and Smoker-Gas subjects. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to biomass combustion is associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These effects are associated with the duration and magnitude of exposure and are exacerbated by tobacco smoke.
BACKGROUND: The use of biomass for cooking and heating is considered an important factor associated with respiratory diseases. However, few studies evaluate the amount of particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), symptoms and lung function in the same population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the respiratory effects of biomass combustion and compare the results with those of individuals from the same community in Brazil using liquefied petroleum gas (Gas). METHODS: 1402 individuals in 260 residences were divided into three groups according to exposure (Gas, Indoor-Biomass, Outside-Biomass). Respiratory symptoms were assessed using questionnaires. Reflectance of paper filters was used to assess particulate matter exposure. In 48 residences the amount of PM2.5 was also quantified. Pulmonary function tests were performed in 120 individuals. RESULTS: Reflectance index correlated directly with PM2.5 (r=0.92) and was used to estimate exposure (ePM2.5). There was a significant increase in ePM2.5 in Indoor-Biomass and Outside-Biomass, compared to Gas. There was a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for cough, wheezing and dyspnea in adults exposed to Indoor-Biomass (OR=2.93, 2.33, 2.59, respectively) and Outside-Biomass (OR=1.78, 1.78, 1.80, respectively) compared to Gas. Pulmonary function tests revealed both Non-Smoker-Biomass and Smoker-Gas individuals to have decreased %predicted-forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) as compared to Non-Smoker-Gas. Pulmonary function tests data was inversely correlated with duration and ePM2.5. The prevalence of airway obstruction was 20% in both Non-Smoker-Biomass and Smoker-Gas subjects. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to biomass combustion is associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These effects are associated with the duration and magnitude of exposure and are exacerbated by tobacco smoke.
Authors: Daan Willem Loth; Till Ittermann; Lies Lahousse; Albert Hofman; Hubert Gerardus Maria Leufkens; Guy Gaston Brusselle; Bruno Hugo Stricker Journal: Eur J Epidemiol Date: 2013-03-29 Impact factor: 8.082
Authors: Kristen M Fedak; Nicholas Good; Ethan S Walker; John Balmes; Robert D Brook; Maggie L Clark; Tom Cole-Hunter; Robert Devlin; Christian L'Orange; Gary Luckasen; John Mehaffy; Rhiannon Shelton; Ander Wilson; John Volckens; Jennifer L Peel Journal: Inhal Toxicol Date: 2020-04-16 Impact factor: 2.724
Authors: Jamie Rylance; Stephen B Gordon; Luke P Naeher; Archana Patel; John R Balmes; Olorunfemi Adetona; Derek K Rogalsky; William J Martin Journal: Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol Date: 2013-03-01 Impact factor: 5.464
Authors: Sarath Raju; Corinne A Keet; Laura M Paulin; Elizabeth C Matsui; Roger D Peng; Nadia N Hansel; Meredith C McCormack Journal: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Date: 2019-04-15 Impact factor: 21.405
Authors: Gregory B Diette; Roberto A Accinelli; John R Balmes; A Sonia Buist; William Checkley; Paul Garbe; Nadia N Hansel; Vikas Kapil; Stephen Gordon; David K Lagat; Fuyuen Yip; Kevin Mortimer; Rogelio Perez-Padilla; Christa Roth; Julie M Schwaninger; Antonello Punturieri; James Kiley Journal: Glob Heart Date: 2012-09-25