Tuberculosis and Indoor Biomass and Kerosene Use in Nepal: A Case–Control Study

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901032
• Publication Date: 2009-12-18T17:23:45Z
• Authors: Amod K. Pokhrel; Michael N. Bates; Sharat C. Verma; Hari S. Joshi; Chandrashekhar T....; Kirk R. Smith
• Keywords: Kerosene; Stove; Liquefied petroleum gas

In Nepal, tuberculosis (TB) is a major problem. Worldwide, six previous epidemiologic studies have investigated whether indoor cooking with biomass fuel such as wood or agricultural wastes associated TB inconsistent results.Using detailed information on potential confounders, we the associations between and use of kerosene fuels.A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Pokhara, Nepal. Cases (n = 125) were women, 20-65 years old, confirmed diagnosis TB. Age-matched controls 250) female patients without Detailed exposure histories collected standardized questionnaire.Compared using clean-burning stove (liquefied petroleum gas, biogas), adjusted odds ratio (OR) for biomass-fuel 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.48-3.05], whereas kerosene-fuel had an OR 3.36 (95% CI, 1.01-11.22). The heating 3.45 1.44-8.27) lamps lighting 9.43 1.45-61.32).This provides evidence that fuel, particularly source heating, women. It also first stoves wick These require confirmation other studies. If risk factor TB, it would provide strong justification promoting clean sources, solar lamps.