Indoor air pollution and its health impacts on woman and children in rural China

Abstract

Indoor air pollution (IAP) from solid fuel combustion is a prominent risk factor in women and children in rural China. About two-thirds of China’s population lives in rural areas where solid fuels are the primary sources of energy. Burning solid fuel on open fires and in poorly ventilated stoves produces toxic substances that can exceed recommended exposure levels in homes that are inadequately ventilated. Despite programs to improve stoves, China’s at risk population, principally women and children, continue to suffer from high exposure to health-damaging pollutants. This paper reviews IAP sources in rural China and the health impact on occupants, in particular women and children, exposed to harmful pollutants from burning solid fuels for domestic energy purposes.