Indoor air pollution
Cooking and heating with solid fuels on open fires or traditional stoves results in high levels of indoor air pollution. Indoor smoke contains a range of health-damaging pollutants, such as small particles and carbon monoxide.
In poorly ventilated dwellings, indoor smoke can exceed acceptable levels for small particles 100-fold. Exposure is particularly high among women and young children, who spend the most time near the domestic hearth.
According to Global Health Risks: Mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks indoor air pollution is responsible for 2.7% of the global burden of disease.
WHO’s Programme on Indoor Air Pollution
To combat this substantial and growing burden of disease, WHO has developed a comprehensive programme to support developing countries. WHO's Programme on Indoor Air Pollution focuses on:
All photographs with permission of Nigel Bruce, University of Liverpool
