The effect of biomass fuel combustion on pulmonary function tests in the adult population of Sivas province

Abstract

The effects of natural traditional energy sources which is called biomass, mainly cow-dung, on pulmonary function was investigated. In rural regions of Sivas City, pulmonary function tests of 112 cow-dung users and 153 modern energy source users were compared. When comparing the mean values of spirometric measurements of two groups' males and females separately, all the spirometric parameters of the cow-dung users' group were found to be decreased (P<0.05) and this decrement was in obstructive type. As a result, cow-dung which is a special type of biomass, was seen to effect pulmonary function tests negatively both in males and females.