Health effects of an efficient vented stove in the highlands of Guatemala

Abstract

In Guatemala, as in many places throughout the world, millions of indigenous people cook over non-ventilated indoor open fires. Indoor air pollution and accidental burns are well-known problems attributed to such fires. Efforts have been made to improve health outcomes by placing more efficient vented stoves in homes to decrease such exposure. The purpose of this study is to see if there are any measurable improvements in health outcomes after placement of such stoves within a community. Specifically, this study is designed to evaluate the health effects of placement of the ONIL stove, a rocket-style stove that has been shown to decrease household carbon monoxide (CO) levels and wood-fuel use. The ONIL stove was installed in more than 90% of the homes in Santa Avelina, Quiche, Guatemala between 2002 and 2006. The number of clinic visits per year for acute upper- and lower-respiratory illnesses in this village was compared for the years 2002 and 2006. Clinic visits for upper- and lower-respiratory illnesses combined decreased by 26%, and for acute lower respiratory solely, by 45% between 2002 and 2006. This study suggests that the placement of an improved vented stove may be associated with a corresponding decrease in acute respiratory illnesses.