Health risks
Nearly 3.2 million people die prematurely each year from diseases caused by household air pollution
Household air pollution is caused largely by the burning of polluting fuels such as wood, animal dung, charcoal, agricultural waste, and kerosene in open fires or inefficient stoves in and around the household. Some 2.1 billion people worldwide rely primarily on polluting fuels for their cooking, heating, and lighting needs. Exposure to household air pollution from the poor combustion of these fuels causes many health problems such as pneumonia in children, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease in adults.
Over 3 million people die prematurely each year from diseases caused by household air pollution (WHO 2022; Household air pollution burden of disease; other HAP data). Of these deaths, 32% are due to ischaemic heart disease, 21% to lower respiratory infections, 23% to stroke, 19% to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 6% to lung cancer. In children less than 5 years old, exposure to household air pollution is responsible for almost a half of all pneumonia deaths. Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to household air pollution may additionally cause low birth weight, stillbirth, asthma, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, tuberculosis, cataract, nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, and cervical cancer.
The fine particulate matter and other pollutants in indoor smoke can also cause inflammation in the airways and lungs, which impairs immune response and reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Exposure to household air pollution can also cause short-term health effects, such as burning eyes, coughing, or nose and throat irritation. Fuel collection also increases the risk of musculoskeletal damage from carrying heavy loads and for injury or violence, especially when alone in insecure areas. The burden of routinely carrying heavy loads of fuel, which are often carried on the head or back, can cause muscle strains, spinal injuries, fractures, and pregnancy complications, as well as longer-term physical strain, chronic pain, and rheumatism.
Household use of polluting fuels and technologies also poses safety risks. Kerosene, which is often sold in refilled soda bottles, is the leading cause of childhood poisonings. Burns and scalds from open fires or unstable stoves also result in many serious injuries and death, especially among children. Stoves and fires are often located on the floor, where children can easily touch or fall into them.