Indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration and lung function impairment among housewives of selected quarters in Mingaladon cantonment

Abstract

Lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio) were reduced in women cooking with biomass cook stove (54.5%, 45.5% an21d 57%) compared with those cooking with clean cook stove (42%, 33%, 44%), based on lower limit of normal. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations in both groups were below the reference value level (3mg/m3). Although both PM2.5 concentrations were not exceeded the reference level, PM2.5 concentration was higher in biomass cook stove group (0.055mg/m3) than clean cook stove group (0.501 mg/m3). Relationship between particulate matter concentration and lung function impairments of housewives in both two groups were negatively correlated (r=-0.7538, r=-0.6877 and r=-0.3568). So, lung function was reduced in high PM2.5 concentration generated from biomass cook energy sources. In conclusion, lung function impairments were more detected in high indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration in study populations.