Using exhaled carbon monoxide and carboxy-hemoglobin to evaluate the effectiveness of a chimney stove model in Peru. (October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eppler, Adam R; Fitzgerald, Christopher; Dorner, Stephen C; Aguilar-Villalobos, Manuel; Rathbun, Stephen L; Adetona, Olorunfemi; Naeher, Luke P
• Is Part Of: International journal of occupational and environmental health. Volume 19:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2013-10
• Subjects: Biomass -- Indoor air pollution -- Exhaled CO -- Percentage carboxy-hemoglobin (% COHb) -- Total blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) -- Peru; Industrial hygiene -- Periodicals; Industrial toxicology -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Consumer goods -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1179/2049396713Y.0000000039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-3525

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Measurement of biological indicators of physiological change may be useful in evaluating the effectiveness of stove models, which are intended to reduce indoor smoke exposure and potential health effects. Objectives: We examined changes in exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), percentage carboxy-hemoglobin, and total hemoglobin in response to the installation of a chimney stove model by the Juntos National Program in Huayatan, Peru in 2008. Methods: Biomarkers were measured in a convenience sample comprising 35 women who met requirements for participation, and were measured before and three weeks after installation of a chimney stove. The relationships between exposure to indoor smoke and biomarker measurements were also analyzed using simple linear regression models. Results: Exhaled CO reduced from 6·71 ppm (95% CI 5·84–7·71) to 3·14 ppm (95% CI 2·77–3·66) three weeks after stove installation ( P < 0·001) while % COHb reduced from 1·76% (95% CI 1·62–1·91) to 1·18% (95% CI 1·12–1·25; P < 0·001). Changes in exhaled CO and % COHb from pre- to post-chimney stove installation were not correlated with corresponding changes in exposure to CO and PM2·5 even though the exposures also reduced after stove installation. Conclusion: Exhaled CO and % COHb both showed improvement with reduction in concentration after the installation of the chimney cook stoves, indicating a positive physiological response subsequent to the intervention.