Chronic Occupational Biomass Smoke Exposure as a Risk Factor for COPD: A Study of Traditional Tandoor Bakers in Kashmir

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although tobacco smoking is the principal risk factor, chronic exposure to biomass fuel smoke is increasingly recognized as an important contributor, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Traditional tandoor bakers are occupationally exposed to firewood smoke for prolonged durations under poorly ventilated conditions. Objectives: To evaluate lung function impairment and the prevalence of COPD among traditional tandoor bakers exposed to firewood smoke in Jammu and Kashmir. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months across multiple districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Adult tandoor bakers with at least one hour of daily occupational exposure to firewood-fueled tandoors were enrolled. Spirometry was performed according to standard guidelines. COPD was defined as post- bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC