Indoor air pollution in developing countries: research and implementation needs for improvements in global public health

Am J Public Health. 2013 Apr;103(4):e67-72. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300955. Epub 2013 Feb 14.

Abstract

Exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP) from the burning of solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting accounts for a significant portion of the global burden of death and disease, and disproportionately affects women and children in developing regions. Clean cookstove campaigns recently received more attention and investment, but their successes might hinge on greater integration of the public health community with a variety of other disciplines. To help guide public health research in alleviating this important global environmental health burden, we synthesized previous research on IAP in developing countries, summarized successes and challenges of previous cookstove implementation programs, and provided key research and implementation needs from structured discussions at a recent symposium.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / prevention & control*
  • Cooking / instrumentation*
  • Developing Countries*
  • Female
  • Global Health*
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Heating / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Lighting / instrumentation
  • Male
  • Public Health*
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / etiology