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ABSTRACT
Studies suggest that exposure to wood smoke is associated with a variety of adverse health effects in humans that could lead to damage of upper and lower respiratory airways, asthma, COPD and lung cancer that affects lung function. Wood continues to be a significant source of energy for people in developing nations . This study is aimed at determining the effect of firewood smoke on the lung fuplnction of women who cook with firewoods. Tests were carried out using spirometer and peakflow meter on Selected Lung function (FEV1, FVC, PEF ,PEFR ). BMI of subjects were measured in this study and the result wasanalysed for statistical significance by student t-test using the Graph Pad Prism Statistical Software, version 8.0. Results of the analysis were represented in tables and charts where applicable. In this study there was a significant decrease in FEV1,FVC of firewood users when compared to non firewood users which could be an indicator for obstructive pattern in COPD. For the FEV1/FVC ratio ,PEF and PEFR showed no significant difference although past studies had significant decrease in fire wood users because of prolonged exposure to firewood and clear indication for diagnosis of COPD. In this current study, due to exposure time of women to firewood smoke. There were no significant effect on PEFR and PEF. Results from this study show that FEV1/FVC in firewood users and non-firewood users presented no significant difference and could signify no COPD . The BMI of firewood users was significantly higher than that of non-firewood users. In conclusion, study population exposed to high levels of pollutants in wood smoke from use of wood fuels and this exposure could be associated with a changes observed in FVC ,FEV1 coupled with the BMI. There is urgent need for implementation of effective strategies to reduce exposure and control the risk of developing COPD and other associated chronic pulmonary diseases attributable to wood smoke exposure in population.
