Persistent exposure to wood smoke is associated with variations in biochemical and hematological indices among regular wood burners in the Cape Coast metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Acute and chronic exposure to wood smoke is associated with adverse health effects. This study investigated the potential effect of persistent exposure to woodsmoke on hematological and biochemical indices among regular wood burners in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Methodology: A total of 101 consenting participants were recruited into the study. Serum lipids (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and non-HDL), renal function (urea, creatinine), liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were measured using an automated analyzer. The full blood count of participants was also measured with an FBC automated analyzer. Demographic and lifestyle data of the participants were obtained with the help of questionnaires. Results: Individuals exposed to wood smoke were older (47.21±1.583), smoked fish [36(47.4%)] and were predominantly females. Female preponderance [75(98.7%), P = 0.046], low haemoglobin (HGB) [OR= 6.553 (95%CI=1.431 to 30.01), P = 0.0094], low MCV [OR=12.43(95%CI=0.7133 to 216.5), P = 0.018], low MCH [OR=4.145(95%CI=1.284 to 13.38), P = 0.0151], low MCHC [OR=9.844(95%CI=3.029 to 31.99), P<0.0001], low granulocyte [OR=12.88(95%CI=4.382 to 37.84), P<0.0001] and high lymphocyte [OR=21.86(95%CI=6.991 to 68.34), P<0.0001] were significantly associated with exposure to wood smoke. High cholesterol [OR=20.44(95%CI=2.610 to 160.2), P = 0.0002], triglyceride [OR=17.60(95%CI=1.022 to 303.2), P = 0.0052], non-HDL cholesterol [OR=22.15(95%CI=5.490 to 89.38), P<0.0001] and low HDL cholesterol [OR=96(95%CI=12.00 to 767.9), P<0.0001] were significantly associated with exposure to wood smoke and are at increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) [OR=474.7(95%CI=25.75 to 8750), P<0.0001]. Age and duration of exposure significantly correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.27, P = 0.02; r = 0.25, P = 0.03), LDL cholesterol (r = 0.31, P = 0.01; r = 0.28, P = 0.01) and non-HDL (r = 0.31, P = 0.01; r = 0.24, P = 0.03). AST levels among individuals exposed to wood smoke were also elevated [OR=69.83(95%CI=4.097 to 1190), P<0.0001]). Conclusion: Wood smoke exposure is associated with variations in some biochemical and hematological indices among study participants. Keywords: Wood smoke, Exposure, Haematological, Lipid, Renal, Liver