Background Summary
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.
Taken from Source: World Health Organization
WHO, Health Effects, Indoor Air |
