Abstract

Objective: To compare lung functions of non-smoker persons using biomass fuels with that of persons using LPG gas in cooking. Method(s): The study is field based and conducted in rural area of Rajasthan represents Indian field population.184 non smoker healthy persons aged between 16 to 30 years and using LPG or Biomass fuel for more than 10 years were recruited in this study. Out of them, 88 were LPG users and 96 were BIOMASS users. Personss who were smoker, non-healthy, age <16 Yr’s or >60 Yr’s, Unwillingness to participate in study, Previous or present respiratory, cardiovascular or other major illness, Seriously ill patients, Passive smoking, Dusty occupation, who were not able to perform spirometry were excluded from study. All demographic variables and vitals were recorded. A through physical examination carried out and recorded. Lung function of these subjects was evaluated via spirometry. Data was tabulated and concerned values were calculated. Result(s): In BIOMASS group FEV1/FVC ratio range from 0.43 to 0.97. Mean FEV1/FVC ratio was0.806. In LPG group FEV1/FVC ratio range from 0.67 to 0.99. Mean FEV1/FVC ratio was0.849. FEV1/FVC ratio was lower in BIOMASS user group. It was statistically significant (p value 0.002). In females of both groups, the difference between FEV1/FVC was statistically significant ( p value