Effects of Wood Smoke Exposure and Associated Factors on Respiratory Parameters of Pygmies Involved in the Smoking of Game Meat in the Congo/Brazzaville

Introduction: This study assesses the effects of pollutants generated by the burning of firewood by pygmies practicing the smoked meat trade. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 rural pygmies aged 36.92 ± 4.69 years old were divided into two groups, whose 29 exposed pygmies (practicing meat smoking) and 27 less exposed pygmies (not practicing this trade). Levels of PM2.5 pollutants and respiratory parameters were measured. A questionnaire including demographic data and another to identify symptoms of respiratory diseases were used. Epi info 7 software was used to perform the analyses. Results: This study indicates high concentrations of pollutants in the environment where this occupation is practiced. All spirometric parameters decreased in the exposed pygmies. The symptomatology was chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and dyspnea that were higher in the exposed pygmy group. There was a strong association between the age of the subjects, the duration of exposure and the level of pollutants with certain symptoms. Conclusion: These results suggest that pygmies involved in smoking game meat inhale significant quantities of toxic particles. This pollution has health and environmental implications. Screening programmer are needed for this population.