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

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.