title: Altered lung function test in asymptomatic women using biomass fuel for cooking.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One third of the world's population use biomass fuel like wood, dung or charcoal for cooking. The smoke from these organic materials increases the incidence of respiratory illness including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate forced expiratory lung volumes in asymptomatic women previously exposed to biomass fuel smoke.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was done in 74 healthy asymptomatic women divided into two age matched groups of 37 each. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were assessed by computerised spirometry and statistical comparisons done on women using biomass fuel (study group) and women using other sources of fuel (LPG/ electric stove) for cooking (control group).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PFT results showed significant reduction in forced expiratory lung volumes like Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1(st) sec (FEV1), Forced Expiratory Flow between 25-75% (FEF 25-75%) and Forced Expiratory Volume percentage (FEV1%) in biomass fuel users as compared to those not exposed to biomass fuel smoke.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that biomass fuel smoke may produce definite impairment in lung function, especially with regard to the smaller airways.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences , Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Jeneth Berlin
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Raj T
keywords: Biomass fuel users; Computer spirometry; Forced expiratory lung volumes; Impaired lung function test