The health effects of indoor air pollution exposure in developing countries
| By | Nigel Bruce, Rogelio Perez-Padilla, Rachel Albalak |
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| Description | Around half of the world's population, some 3 billion people, rely on biomass fuels such as wood, animal dung, and crop residues, and coal for domestic energy needs. Over the past 25 years, transition to cleaner fuels among the poor has slowed dramatically and there is evidence that reliance on biomass is increasing in some parts of the world. Typically burnt in open fires or poorly functioning stoves, the use of these fuels leads to very high levels of indoor air pollution. Smoke exposure affects mainly women and young children who accompany their mothers during cooking and other households activities. Studies from several countries report average particulate levels that exceed United States Environmental Protection Agency standards 20 times or more. This review examines the evidence that indoor air pollution increases the risk of a range of health problems. It does not attempt to describe current work seeking to quantify the global burden of disease arising from this exposure. Full Reference"The health effects of indoor air pollution exposure in developing countries", by Nigel Bruce, Rogelio Perez-Padilla, Rachel Albalak, WHO 2002, Geneva |
| File size | 266 kB |
| Date | 12-09-2003 at 17h55 |