Distance from the ceiling to the kitchen floor

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 25 views

The Relationship Between Cooking Fuel, Kitchen Conditions, and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Levels in the Kitchen with Respiratory System Disorders in Tamiang Village, Kotanopan District, Mandailing Natal Regency

Introduction

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, where meals are prepared and memories are made. However, the kitchen can also be a source of health risks, particularly for those who cook using fuels that produce pollutants. In Tamiang Village, Kotanopan District, Mandailing Natal Regency, research has shown that the type of fuel used for cooking and the kitchen conditions can have a significant impact on the respiratory system. This study aims to explore the relationship between cooking fuels, kitchen conditions, carbon monoxide (CO) levels, and respiratory system disorders in housewives in the area.

Background

The use of fuels such as firewood and kerosene for cooking is a common practice in many parts of the world, including Tamiang Village. However, these fuels produce pollutants that can have serious health consequences, particularly for those who cook for extended periods. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and can also lead to more serious health problems, including respiratory system disorders.

Methodology

This study used an analytic design with a cross-sectional approach to explore the relationship between cooking fuels, kitchen conditions, CO levels, and respiratory system disorders in housewives in Tamiang Village. The sample consisted of 70 housewives who used wood and kerosene as fuel, out of a total population of 223 housewives. Data collection was done by analyzing various factors, including the type of fuel, the distance between the ceiling and the kitchen floor, the frequency of cooking, and the CO content in the kitchen. Data analysis was carried out using the Fisher Exact, Mann-Whitney, and logistical regression analysis.

Results

The results of this study showed that there were several variables that had a significant relationship with respiratory system disorders, including:

Type of fuel: The use of wood and kerosene as fuel was found to be significantly associated with respiratory system disorders (p = 0.000).
Distance from the ceiling to the kitchen floor: The distance between the ceiling and the kitchen floor was found to be significantly associated with respiratory system disorders (p = 0.003).
Cooking frequency: The frequency of cooking was found to be significantly associated with respiratory system disorders (p = 0.007).
CO levels: The CO levels in the kitchen were found to be significantly associated with respiratory system disorders (P = 0,000).

On the other hand, several other variables, including the type of kitchen wall, humidity, temperature, and cooking duration, did not show significant relationships with respiratory system disorders.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of attention to environmental health in the home, particularly in the kitchen. The use of cleaner and more efficient fuels, such as gas, can help reduce CO levels in the kitchen and reduce the risk of respiratory disorders. Improvements in kitchen designs that pay attention to good air circulation can also help remove smoke and other pollutants from the kitchen space, creating a healthier cooking environment.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for attention to environmental health in the home, particularly in the kitchen. Changes in the type of fuel and kitchen conditions can not only improve the health of housewives but also have a positive impact on overall public health. Through proper awareness and actions, we can reduce the risk of respiratory system disorders that can be caused by air pollution in the room.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Use of cleaner and more efficient fuels: The use of gas as a fuel can help reduce CO levels in the kitchen and reduce the risk of respiratory disorders.
Improvements in kitchen designs: Improvements in kitchen designs that pay attention to good air circulation can help remove smoke and other pollutants from the kitchen space, creating a healthier cooking environment.
Awareness and education: Proper awareness and education on the risks of air pollution in the kitchen can help reduce the risk of respiratory system disorders.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Data collection: The data collection method used in this study may have introduced biases, particularly if the data collectors were not trained properly.

Future Research

Future research should aim to explore the relationship between cooking fuels, kitchen conditions, and respiratory system disorders in other populations, including men and children. Additionally, research should aim to explore the impact of changes in kitchen designs and the use of cleaner and more efficient fuels on respiratory system disorders.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, including raw data and additional tables and figures]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Cooking Fuel, Kitchen Conditions, and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Levels in the Kitchen with Respiratory System Disorders

Q: What is the main cause of respiratory system disorders in the kitchen?

A: The main cause of respiratory system disorders in the kitchen is the use of fuels that produce pollutants, such as wood and kerosene, which release carbon monoxide (CO) and other harmful gases.

Q: What are the symptoms of respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel?

A: The symptoms of respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious health problems, including respiratory failure.

Q: How can I reduce the risk of respiratory system disorders in the kitchen?

A: To reduce the risk of respiratory system disorders in the kitchen, you can use cleaner and more efficient fuels, such as gas, and improve the ventilation in your kitchen by installing a range hood or improving the air circulation.

Q: What are the benefits of using gas as a cooking fuel?

A: The benefits of using gas as a cooking fuel include reduced CO levels in the kitchen, reduced risk of respiratory system disorders, and improved air quality.

Q: Can I still use wood and kerosene as cooking fuels if I take precautions?

A: While taking precautions, such as using a well-ventilated kitchen and avoiding prolonged cooking, can reduce the risk of respiratory system disorders, it is still not recommended to use wood and kerosene as cooking fuels.

Q: How can I improve the ventilation in my kitchen?

A: To improve the ventilation in your kitchen, you can install a range hood, improve the air circulation by opening windows or using a fan, and ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated.

Q: What are the risks of not addressing respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel?

A: The risks of not addressing respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel include long-term health problems, such as chronic respiratory disease, and even death.

Q: Can I get compensation for respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel?

A: Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for compensation for respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel. It is recommended to consult with a medical professional and a lawyer to determine your eligibility.

Q: How can I prevent respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel in the future?

A: To prevent respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel in the future, you can use cleaner and more efficient fuels, improve the ventilation in your kitchen, and take regular breaks while cooking.

Q: What are the long-term effects of respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel?

A: The long-term effects of respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel can include chronic respiratory disease, lung damage, and even death.

Q: Can I still cook if I have respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel?

A: It is recommended to avoid cooking if you have respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel, as it can exacerbate the condition. If you must cook, take regular breaks and use a well-ventilated kitchen.

Q: How can I get help if I have respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel?

A: If you have respiratory system disorders caused by cooking fuel, you can seek help from a medical professional, a lawyer, and a support group.