Abstract
Given the deleterious health effects associated with indoor air pollution (IAP), this study was conducted to evaluate an IAP intervention in rural areas in Gansu, one of the poorest provinces of China. We selected 371 rural households to take part in intervention measures including stove improvement and health education. Eight of 371 households were selected to conduct IAP sampling. Four hundred and thirteen women in these households completed a questionnaire and 49 women took part in lung function tests. After the intervention, PM4 levels reduced from 455 μg/m3 to 200 μg/m3 and CO reduced from 3.40 ppm to 2.90 ppm in indoor air. The percentage of predicted value of FEV1 and FVC improved to some degree after the intervention, but all the parameters of lung function assessment did not show a significant change. Prevalence rates of several symptoms associated with IAP significantly declined in the study population, compared with baseline levels. Intervention measures combining stove improvement with health education were effective in reducing IAP levels. Women’s health status, including eye and respiratory symptoms, also showed improvement. However, the effect on lung function was not apparent and warranted additional follow-up. Similarly, evaluation of the long term effects of the IAP intervention will require future studies.
Highlights
IntroductionAbout 41% of the world’s population use solid fuel (such as coal and biomass) for domestic cooking and heating, and a large proportion of this exposed population lives in less developed countries [1]
About 41% of the world’s population use solid fuel for domestic cooking and heating, and a large proportion of this exposed population lives in less developed countries [1]
We report the effects of the intervention on multiple indices related to indoor air pollution (IAP) mitigation, including changes in various symptoms of eye and respiratory diseases, measures of lung function, and assessment of PM4 and Carbon monoxide (CO) levels in a representative sample of the households both before and after the intervention period
Summary
About 41% of the world’s population use solid fuel (such as coal and biomass) for domestic cooking and heating, and a large proportion of this exposed population lives in less developed countries [1]. In 2010, household air pollution from solid fuels was among the top 3 risk factors contributing to the global burden of disease and was responsible for nearly 3.5 million deaths across the world [3]. These deaths occur predominantly in women and children, as women are normally responsible for food preparation and cooking, and infants and young children are usually with their mothers near the cooking area and are more likely to be exposed. Women living in households that used biomass had a significantly higher prevalence of asthma than those in households using cleaner fuels, and the risk for asthma appeared to be higher for women than for men [8]
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