Study of Effects of Kerosene and LPG on Pulmonary Function Tests in Rural Women of Punjab

ABSTRACT

The unhealthy effects of indoor air pollution by cooking fuels is great concern for good respiratory health. Present study was conducted to study and compare the effects of two major fuels used in developing countries like India, Kerosene and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in rural women of Amritsar, India. Methods: Study was conducted on 800 rural women out of which 400 using Kerosene as cooking fuel and rest 400 using LPG. Subjects of chronic and recent respiratory illness even if treated were excluded Ventilatory functions of lungs were done on computerized spirometer, MED-SPIRER. Results: There was statistically significant decline in FEV1 in Kerosene using women (0.98±0.47) when compared with LPG using women (1.86±0.37). Other parameters FEV3, PEFR, FEF 25-75%, FEF2-12, FEF 25%, FEF 50% FEF 75% and MVV showed similar significant decline in women using Kerosene as fuel. Conclusion: There is significant decline in ventilator function od lungs in women using Kerosene as cooking fuel, which is still used in developing country like India. Reduced values indicate small airway obstruction.