Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Respiratory Symptoms Following Chronic Domestic Wood Smoke Exposure in Women in Edo, Nigeria

Abstract

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of 350 rural women aged (20-70 years) 
in Edo State, Nigeria who actively used wood as a source of fuel for 
cooking was measured. The height, chest circumference, weight and blood 
pressure of the women were also measured. Respiratory symptoms of 
cough with sputum production, dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness and 
chest pain were markedly elevated in the subjects compared to control. 
The mean PEFR value for the wood exposed women (289±19.6L/mm) was 
significantly lower than control (364±17.2L/mm), P <0.05.The predicted 
PEFR values for both Africans and Caucasians were significantly higher 
than the measured values. The PEFR decreased with increase in years of 
exposure to wood smoke and the fall was neither accounted for by age nor 
height. The increase in respiratory symptoms and the low PEFR values 
observed for women exposed to wood smoke, the severity of which is 
related to exposure time indicate that prolonged exposure to wood smoke 
is capable of impairing lung functions.