Real-Time PM Exposures from Cookstoves and Related Health Effects in Sri Lankan Women

Abstract

Real-Time PM Exposures from Cookstoves and Related Health Effects in Sri Lankan WomenAbstract Number:2661 Michael Phillips*, Paul Mosquin, Ryan Chartier, Linda Brown, Vanessa Thornburg, Jonathan Thornburg, Sumal Nandasena, Myles Elledge, Charles Rodes, and Katherine Bronstein Michael Phillips* RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Paul Mosquin RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Ryan Chartier RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Linda Brown RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Vanessa Thornburg RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Jonathan Thornburg RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Sumal Nandasena Sri Lanka Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Myles Elledge RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Charles Rodes RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , and Katherine Bronstein RTI International, United States, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author AbstractAlthough indoor air pollution (IAP) from biomass fuel use is one of the most hazardous threats to human health in the developing world today and causes approximately 4 million premature deaths per year, little quantitative information is available on personal exposure to particulate matter (PM) from biomass cookstoves and subsequent health effects. To address this need, researchers from RT International, the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health, and a local non-governmental organization conducted a community-based field study in central Sri Lanka on PM exposures to cookstove smoke. A total of 53 homes using either the 3-stone fire (traditional stove) or the ‘Anagi’ (an indigenous, ‘improved’ clay cookstove) participated in the study. We collected personal and indoor real-time PM exposure measurements and integrated filter samples using portable, battery operated MicroPEM™ monitors at each home for two consecutive 24-hour periods. Trained Sri Lankan technicians set up and collected the exposure monitors and a health official administered a health questionnaire. The primary cook in each home (always a female) wore the MicroPEM™ and completed a time activity diary throughout the 48 hour period. Homes with 3-stone fires had mean indoor PM values of 355.9 µg/m3 without a chimney and 101.1 9 µg/m3 with a chimney, whereas homes with Anagi stoves had mean indoor PM values of 224.7 µg/m3 without a chimney and 88.1 µg/m3 with a chimney. Mean personal PM values for the cook were 200.5 µg/m3 and 126.9 µg/m3 in homes with 3-stone fires and Anagi stoves without chimneys, respectively, and 78.1 µg/m3 and 71.3 µg/m3 in homes with chimneys. Our analyses include the correlation between personal PM and self-reported health symptoms including chronic cough, wheezing, asthma, skin conditions, and burns. These findings support the need for initiatives directed toward improving women’s health in low and middle income countries by reducing their exposures to IAP.