Review of interventions to reduce the exposure of women and young children to indoor air pollution in developing countries
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| Description | This paper aims to facilitate discussion about potential interventions for reducing human exposure to indoor air pollution in low-income countries within a conceptual framework that may be applied to a wide variety of interventions. Potential interventions are assessed according to three subsystems of the household energy system: the source (emissions), the local environment (concentrations) and the user (exposure). Eight criteria are identified that may be used to assess potential interventions - either the benefit of the intervention or the restrictions preventing greater use. These criteria are Exposure level, Cost, Local environmental impact, Regional and global environmental impacts, Safety concerns, Impact on local employment, Acceptance and suitability, and Market readiness. These critera are applied to 23 possible interventions. Based on the evaluation it appears that the most effective interventions and most beneficial to the user and society as a whole would be a shift from wood or charcoal to kerosene, LPG, biogas or grid electricity. Other more progressive alternatives such as ethanol (gel) fuel, or possibly biomass gasification, could not be effectively evaluated, but should be considered in greater detail in the future. Another intervention that appears to offer promising benefits is the use of a cooking window. This intervention, which is a form of hood built into a window (thus without a chimney), needs further investigation and evaluation. Of particular concern is the applicability of the cooking window to a range of different housing types. User based interventions were the most difficult to evaluate are relevant data is scarce. It was evident from the analysis that further attention should be given to the collection and compiling of data so that informed decisions may be made. The authors emphasize a number of elements to guide the formulation of policy for any particular policy context. It is in analysing and understanding the social aspects of the policy context that specific policy instruments may best be developed and refined. In general policies that emphasize an integrated approach, aim at empowering people and encourage local participation, avoid unnecessary subsidies but address market failures where necessary should be developed. Full referenceReview of interventions to reduce the exposure of women and young children to indoor air pollution in developing countries by Grant Ballard-Tremeer and Angela Mathee, presented at the WHO/USAID consultation on Indoor Air Pollution and Health, 3/4 May 2000, Washington DC. |
| File size | 940 kB |
| Date | 01-09-2003 at 17h10 |