The Relationship between Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function with the Use of Gas Cooking in University Canteen Staff

摘要

Dear Editor-in-Chief: Working in a canteen exposed to gas cooking daily could lead to respiratory or lung function problems. Gas cooking consists of propane, or butane, which is flammable. Burning gas cooking releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The reaction also produces some carbon monoxide. The vapour could evaporate and might be harmful to health. There are many by- products that could be present when gas combustion occurs, e.g. nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide. Therefore, the risk of respiratory symptoms or lung function problems could occur when those by-products are inhaled. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 23 canteen staff, most were women aged between 17-64 years old and non-smokers, to evaluate the lung function and respiratory health. Exposure information was obtained from lung function by Spiro-metric test and self-administered questionnaire. In our study, staff working in a university canteen were exposed to cooking gas from the early morning (about 05.00 a.m.), for preparing materials and were continually exposed to cooking gas until 09.00 a.m. They were then exposed to gas cooking during lunch time to serve university staff and students. The hypothesis of the study was that daily expose to gas cooking was risk factor in respiratory systems and reduced lung functions.