Effects of exposure to gas cooking in childhood and adulthood on respiratory symptoms, allergic sensitization and lung function in young British adults

Background There is evidence that people who use gas for cooking have reduc ed lung function and experience more respiratory symptoms than those who us e other fuels for cooking. Objectives To study the effect of the presence of a gas cooker in the home, during both childhood and adulthood, on respiratory symptoms, allergic sen sitization and ventilatory function among young adults. Methods A sample of 1449 young adults born in Britain 3-9 March 1958, who h ave been followed from birth to ages 7, 11, 16, 23 and 33 years, were exami ned at home at age 34-35 years. FEV1 and FVC were measured before and 20min after inhalation of 400 mu g salbutamol, and skin prick tests performed wi th three allergen extracts (grass, Der p 1 and cat). An interview on respir atory symptoms and indoor environmental exposures was included. Results No association was found between gas cooking in childhood or adulth ood and incidence or prognosis of asthma/wheeze, allergic sensitization or current severity of respiratory symptoms. Subjects who currently used gas f or cooking had a significantly reduced FEV1 (- 70 mt, 95% CI +/- 56) but no t FVC (- 35 mt, 95% CI +/- 61) compared with those who used electricity for cooking. This reduction in FEV1 was concentrated among men and current ast hmatics. Conclusion The use of gas for cooking is unlikely to be a major influence o n respiratory morbidity in young adults.