Blood Indices of Market Women Engaged in Wood Smoke Cooking in Onitsha, Anambra State, South East Nigeria

This study evaluates selected blood indices in market women who use wood-burning stoves for cooking at the Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, South East Nigeria, examining the haematological impact of chronic indoor air pollution exposure. Wood smoke contains carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that can impair haematological function through multiple mechanisms. A cross-sectional study compared 150 women who cook exclusively with wood fuel with 75 women using liquefied petroleum gas in the same market. Blood was assessed for haemoglobin, packed cell volume, carboxyhaemoglobin saturation, total white blood cell count, and eosinophil count. Duration of daily cooking and years of wood fuel use were documented. Wood fuel users showed significantly lower haemoglobin and packed cell volume compared to LPG users. Carboxyhaemoglobin saturation was significantly elevated in the wood fuel group, consistent with chronic low-level carbon monoxide exposure. Eosinophilia was significantly more prevalent in wood fuel users, suggesting an allergen or irritant-driven immune activation. Duration of wood fuel cooking exposure showed a significant negative correlation with haemoglobin levels. The study recommends subsidised access to cleaner cooking fuels for market women, regular haematological screening as part of occupational health surveillance, and targeted public health campaigns on wood smoke exposure risks in Onitsha. Keywords: wood smoke, haemoglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin, market women, indoor air pollution.