Association Between Solid Cooking Fuels and Respiratory Disease Across Socio-Demographic Groups in India

The use of solid fuels in household cooking contributes to indoor air pollution and is the cause of more than 4 million deaths around the world annually. Solid fuel use varies with the level of development and ranges from 0% in high-income countries to more than 80% in low- and middle-income countries. Three billion people (more than 40% of the global population) are still dependent on solid fuels like firewood, dung cakes, coal, wood and agricultural residues in these countries.

The present study aims to analyze the association of certain respiratory diseases (tuberculosis (TB), acute upper respiratory infections (AURI), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), and bronchial asthma) with the use of solid fuels for cooking across sociodemographic groups in India.

The 71st round of the National Sample Survey, conducted in 2014, was used. In total, 54,985 inpatients who received medical treatment from any medical institution during the last 365 days preceding the survey and who reported various diseases, such as infections, cancers, blood diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases were included in the analysis. Of these inpatients, 2513 participants who reported TB, AURI, COPD and bronchial asthma were considered the dependent variables in the study. The main variable was exposure to different types of fuels used as a primary source of energy for cooking. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explain associations.

The results reveal a significant association between solid fuel use and respiratory diseases in India. Overall, more than 60% of the population uses firewood and cow dung as their primary source of energy for cooking and are at a higher risk of TB, COPD and bronchial asthma. In rural areas there is a high dependence on solid fuels (80.5%) and a higher risk of respiratory diseases compared to those residing in urban areas where people are less dependent on solid fuels (22%). Among different socio-demographic groups, the dependence on solid fuels is highest among Scheduled Tribes (87.42%), followed by Scheduled Castes (74.78%) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) (a term used by the Indian government to categorize castes that face social or educational challenges) (64.47%). Scheduled Tribes have the highest risk of TB, followed by Scheduled Castes and OBCs, respectively.

Exposure to solid fuels for cooking increases the potential risk of TB, COPD and bronchial asthma. Access to clean and efficient fuels for cooking is essential to reduce the burden of respiratory disease. Measures are needed to increase the availability of clean fuels for households, especially among socially disadvantaged and marginalized groups, to reduce the burden of respiratory diseases in India.

The authors declare no competing financial interests.