Introduction

Exposure to indoor air pollution from the combustion of traditional biomass fuels (wood, charcoal, animal dung, and crop wastes) and coal is a significant public health hazard predominantly affecting poor rural and urban communities in developing countries. Large numbers of people are exposed on a daily basis to harmful emissions and other health risks from biomass and coal-burning, which typically takes place in open fires or low-efficiency stoves with inadequate venting. It is estimated that globally 2.5 to 3 billion people rely on these (solid) fuels for everyday household energy needs (1). The majority of those exposed are women, who are normally responsible for food preparation and cooking, and infants/young children who are usually with their mothers near the cooking area.

Source taken from the World Health Organization

Addressing the Impact of Household Energy and Indoor Air Pollution on the Health of the Poor: Implications for Policy Action and Intervention Measures [.pdf, 601.9Kb]