Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Produced by Biomass Fuels

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is increasing and represents a substantial economical and social burden. Although smoking tobacco is the leading cause in the development of COPD, the use of biomass fuels such as wood for cooking or heating is also an important risk factor for this disease, particularly for women in developing countries. The World Health Organization estimates that biomass fuel exposure accounts for nearly 35% of COPD in lowand medium-income countries. Taking into account that half of the world's population, some 3 billion people, use solid fuels, the impact that the use of such fuels could have on the health of the exposed population is an issue that deserves specific consideration.

Pulmonary changes on HRCT scans in nonsmoking females with COPD due to wood smoke exposure

“…Dung combustion generates more pollutants than does wood combustion, ranking lower on the energy scale for being less efficient and more polluting. ( 27 ) The differences among the results obtained can be explained by the different types of biomass used and the different purposes for which it is used. …”

Doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica em mulheres expostas à fumaça de fogão à lenha

“…Similar age distribution was previously reported in a patient with COPD due to exposure to wood smoke. 15,16 A study of prevalence of COPD developed in Brazil 8 showed that COPD increased with age, with the highest prevalence after the age of 60.…”

Infective endocarditis: a consumptive disease among the elderly

“…Various biomass burning products are toxic or irritating to the respiratory system, including respirable particulate matter, which is the product that is most deleterious to the respiratory system 13 , 14. Larger particles are filtered in the nose and throat, whereas those smaller than 10 µm in diameter can settle in the respiratory tract.…”