Biomass Smoke Linked to COPD

Residual smoke from biomass fuels, including wood and crop residue, may be a significant risk factor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers from Guangdong, China, conducted a metaanalysis on 15 epidemiologic studies that involved biomass smoke and COPD. Overall, people exposed to biomass smoke are 2.44 times likely to develop COPD than those not exposed. Furthermore, men exposed to biomass smoke were more at risk for COPD than women who were exposed to the smoke (odds ratio of 4.30 and 2.73, respectively). Risk for COPD also was elevated among Asian and non-Asian populations. Due to the extensive use of biomass fuels in developing countries, researchers suggest that understanding the public health consequences of biomass smoke as it relates to COPD is important. The study is published in the July issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

CHEST 2010; 138(1):20–31