An Overview on Indoor Air Pollution, Its Adverse Health Effects, and Intervention Measures in Rural China

Abstract

PP-29-147 Background/Aims: To understand the status of indoor air pollution (IAP), its adverse health effect and the intervention measures against IAP in rural China, and provide a clue for the further research and prevention. Methods: Literatures about IAP, its adverse effect and related intervention measures in rural areas of China published in Chinese language from 1999 through 2010 were collected and summarized. Results: In rural areas of northern China, coal burning for household heating in winter is the major impacting factor of IAP for the moment. Moreover, type of fuels, status of combustion and ventilation, and house structure can also put an important influence on indoor air quality. For this reason, the level of IAP in rural areas of China may vary in regions and seasons. It is concluded that there is certain relationship between IAP and the prevalence of COPD, lung cancer, as well as some respiratory symptoms and decrease of women lung function. When it comes to intervention actions, using improved stoves and clean energy can directly and effectively improve indoor air quality. Furthermore, health education, behavior intervention, and social mobilization were provided to achieve the purpose of improving indoor air quality by helping people change unhealthy lifestyle. Conclusion: Household fuel burning is the main source of IAP in rural China. IAP can affect the residents' health, causing diseases such as COPD, lung cancer, and so on. The measures such as furnace and stove improvement, health education and behavior intervention, development and use of clean energy, social mobilization can attenuate indoor air pollution.