RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Gas cooking is associated with small reductions in lung function in children
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 249
OP 254
DO 10.1183/09031936.00102409
VO 36
IS 2
A1 H. Moshammer
A1 T. Fletcher
A1 J. Heinrich
A1 G. Hoek
A1 F. Hruba
A1 S. Pattenden
A1 P. Rudnai
A1 H. Slachtova
A1 F.E. Speizer
A1 R. Zlotkowska
A1 M. Neuberger
YR 2010
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/36/2/249.abstract
AB Inconsistent effects of gas cooking on lung function have been reported. In a previous study from Austria, we demonstrated a significant, though small, reduction of lung function parameters in children living in homes with gas stoves. We used a larger international database to check if this finding can be generalised. To study the relative impact of cooking with gas on lung function parameters of primary school children in a wide range of geographical settings, we analysed flow and volume data of ∼24,000 children (aged 6–12 yrs) from nine countries in Europe and North America. Exposure information was obtained by comparable questionnaires and spirometry according to an American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society protocol. Linear regressions were used, controlling for individual risk factors and study area. Heterogeneity between study-specific results and mean effects were estimated using meta-analytical tools. On average, gas cooking reduced lung function parameters. Overall effects were small (-0.1–0.7%) and only significant for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s. There was some indication that allergic children were more affected by gas cooking. Under current housing conditions, gas cooking is associated with only small reductions in lung function.