Impact of Improved Cookstove Usage on Lung Function in Congolese Refugees: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Around 3 billion people worldwide use solid biomass fuels for cooking. Exposure to indoor biomass smoke is a relevant cause of COPD and therefore target of many public health interventions, such as usage of improved cookstoves. Objectives: Previous trials did not show relevant effects on lung function after cookstove intervention. The aim of our study was to show whether usage of improved cookstoves can lead to a significant improvement of lung function in a well characterized population. Methods: Spirometry including measurement of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio and PEF was performed in Congolese women living in an UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) Refugee Camp in Rwanda before (Baseline, BL) and 9 months after (Follow-Up, F9) they received an energy-efficient cookstove (Type: Save80) and were trained how to use it. Results: Acceptable spirometry was collected from 436 women at baseline, and from 262 participants of the baseline group after 9 months follow-up. An increase of mean PEF after intervention was observed (N=262): PEF BL = 4,54 L/sec vs. PEF F9 =4,79 L/sec (p BL =1,58 L vs. FEV1 F9 =1,70 L; p BL =3,01 L/sec vs PEF F9 =3,35 L/sec; p Conclusions: Our data indicate that usage of improved cookstoves has a positive impact on lung function especially in persons with preexisting airway obstruction. Further studies, especially to investigate long-term outcome, are needed.