Health impacts of indoor air pollution from household solid fuel on children and women

Ali M. U., Yu Y., YOUSAF B., Munir M. A. M., Ullah S., Zheng C., ...More

Journal of Hazardous Materials, vol.416, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 416
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126127
  • Journal Name: Journal of Hazardous Materials
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, EMBASE, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Geobase, INSPEC, MEDLINE, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Solid fuel, Indoor air quality, Pollutants, Toxicity mechanisms, Health risks, OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE, FINE PARTICULATE MATTER, LUNG-CANCER RISK, LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT, BIOMASS FUEL, DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES, WOOD-SMOKE, RURAL HOUSEHOLDS, NITROGEN-DIOXIDE, GLOBAL BURDEN
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2021The inefficient and incomplete combustion of solid fuel (SF) is associated with high levels of indoor air pollutants leading to 3.55 million deaths annually. The risk is higher in women and children, due to their higher exposure duration and unique physical properties. The current article aims to provide a critical overview regarding the use of solid fuel, its associated pollutants, their toxicity mechanisms and, most importantly the associated health impacts, especially in women and children. Pollutants associated with SF mostly include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particulate matter, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, and their concentrations are two- to threefold higher in indoor environments. These pollutants can lead to a variety of health risks by inducing different toxicity mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, DNA methylation, and gene activation. Exposed children have an increased prevalence of low birth weight, acute lower respiratory tract infections, anemia and premature mortality. On the other hand, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular diseases are the major causes of disability and premature death in women. Indoor air pollution resulting from SF combustion is a major public health threat globally. To reduce the risks, it is important to identify future research gaps and implement effective interventions and policies.