Kiera Jefferson
Household air pollution is caused by the use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies in and around the home. This includes the use of polluting devices such as kerosene lamps and inefficient stoves, which emit black carbon and methane. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3.8 million people die prematurely every year due to indoor air pollution, with a further 4.2 million dying from outdoor air pollution. However, some studies place the total number of deaths from air pollution at 9 million per year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths per year | 3.8 million (WHO estimate) to 6.7 million (IHME estimate) |
| Number of deaths in 2012 | 7 million (WHO estimate) |
| Number of deaths in low- and middle-income countries in 2012 | 3.3 million (WHO estimate) |
| Number of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2022 | 923 million lacked access to clean cooking fuels |
| Number of premature deaths per 100,000 people | N/A |
| Number of people exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution | 2.4 billion |
| Number of people without access to electricity | 750 million |
| Number of people without access to clean fuels and technologies by 2030 | 1.8 billion |
| Number of deaths that could be avoided by phasing out fossil fuels | 3.6 million |
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What You'll Learn
Global death toll
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution kills 7 million people every year, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million to indoor air pollution. However, some scientists believe this number could be even higher, with recent studies estimating a death toll of at least 9 million people annually.
Indoor air pollution is caused by the use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies, such as kerosene lamps, in and around the home. These fuels and technologies emit a range of health-damaging pollutants, including small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure to indoor air pollution is particularly high among women and children, who spend the most time near the domestic hearth.
The WHO has issued guidelines for indoor air quality and household fuel combustion, recommending the use of clean fuels and technologies such as solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and alcohol fuels. However, over 750 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, forcing them to rely on polluting alternatives.
The global death toll from indoor air pollution has seen a substantial decline since 1990, despite continued population growth. This progress is attributed to the adoption of cleaner technologies and fuels, improved ventilation, and policy interventions. However, indoor air pollution remains a leading risk factor for mortality, particularly in low-income countries, with an estimated 1.8 billion people projected to lack access to clean fuels and technologies by 2030.
The health impacts of indoor air pollution are significant, with particulate matter and other pollutants known to inflame the airways and lungs, impair immune response, and reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This can lead to the development of respiratory diseases, including acute respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, as well as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
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Main sources of indoor pollution
Indoor air pollution is a serious environmental hazard and a major health risk, particularly for the poorest people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 3 million people die prematurely each year due to indoor air pollution. This problem is especially prevalent in developing countries, where access to clean fuels is limited.
The primary sources of indoor air pollution are indoor activities that release gases or particles into the air, such as:
Burning of Solid Fuels
In developing countries, solid fuels like wood, coal, and dung are often burned indoors for cooking and heating. This releases harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other toxic compounds. The World Health Organization estimates that indoor air pollution from cooking stoves alone causes approximately 3.1 million premature deaths annually, mostly among women and children.
Inadequate Ventilation
Energy-efficient homes and buildings designed to minimize the exchange of outdoor and indoor air can contribute to indoor air pollution. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions and carry pollutants out. High temperatures and humidity levels can also exacerbate this issue.
Mould
Mould, a type of fungus, grows in damp and humid environments, particularly during winter and in humid climates. It can latch onto damp areas and digest the materials it lands on, growing on walls, floors, ceilings, and in basements. Mould exposure can cause respiratory infections, exacerbate asthma and allergies, and lead to serious respiratory issues, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke is a severe indoor air pollutant, causing ten times more air pollution than diesel car exhaust. Second-hand smoke is a preventable public health hazard associated with major respiratory diseases, including asthma and lung cancer.
Cooking Activities
The use of unvented kerosene heaters, improperly maintained chimneys, and wood stoves without dedicated outdoor air supplies can result in pollutants being back-drafted into living spaces. Additionally, cooking activities that generate smoke, such as frying or grilling, can release particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants into the air, impacting indoor air quality.
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Health risks
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 7 million people die each year from air pollution, with 4.2 million of those deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million to indoor air pollution. However, some scientists believe the number could be even higher, with recent studies estimating a death toll of at least 9 million people annually.
Indoor air pollution is caused by the use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies, such as kerosene lamps, in and around the home. These release a range of health-damaging pollutants, including small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Fine particulate matter, often referred to as PM2.5, is composed of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, which can sneak into our lungs and respiratory system. In poorly ventilated dwellings, indoor smoke can have levels of fine particles up to 100 times higher than acceptable.
Exposure to indoor air pollution is particularly high among women and children, who spend the most time near the domestic hearth. The use of polluting fuels and technologies also requires significant time for cooking on inefficient devices and gathering and preparing fuel, limiting opportunities for health, leisure, and development.
The health risks associated with indoor particulate pollution are varied and severe. Scientific studies have linked exposure to particulate matter (PM) to a range of adverse health impacts, including:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Aggravation of coronary and respiratory disease symptoms
- Premature death in people with heart or lung disease
- Increased hospital admissions for heart or lung causes
- Acute and chronic bronchitis
- Asthma attacks
- Restricted activity days
- Slower lung growth and smaller lungs in children
- Lung cancer
The groups most vulnerable to the adverse health effects of indoor particulate pollution include older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, children, infants, and asthmatics.
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Preventative measures
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution kills 7 million people every year, with 4.2 million deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution and 3.8 million deaths attributed to indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal. However, some scientists believe the number could be even higher, with recent studies estimating a death toll of at least 9 million people annually.
- Improve ventilation and airflow: Proper ventilation is crucial to reducing indoor particulate pollution. Vent fuel-fired combustion appliances, such as stoves, heaters, and furnaces, to the outdoors. Install and use exhaust fans vented outside when cooking to remove pollutants from the indoor environment. Regularly opening windows for a few minutes also helps replace polluted indoor air with fresh air from outside.
- Choose cleaner fuels and technologies: Transitioning to cleaner fuels and technologies is essential. The WHO recommends solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and alcohol fuels as cleaner alternatives. Avoiding the use of kerosene, unprocessed coal, and inefficient stoves can significantly reduce indoor particulate pollution.
- Address indoor sources: Identify and mitigate indoor sources of particulate matter. For example, avoid smoking indoors, and be cautious when using fireplaces or space heaters without proper ventilation. Choose properly sized wood-burning stoves that meet emission standards, ensuring tight-fitting doors to prevent the escape of pollutants.
- Utilize air-purifying plants: Houseplants can effectively metabolize air pollutants and refresh indoor air quality. Certain plants, such as peace lilies, spider plants, and aloe vera, are known for their ability to absorb harmful substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
- Reduce exposure to allergens: Common allergens like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and cockroaches can contribute to indoor particulate pollution. Regular cleaning and dusting, using allergen-proof bedding, and maintaining low humidity levels can help minimize the presence of allergens in the indoor environment.
- Promote outdoor air purification: Trees act as natural air filters, significantly reducing particulate matter and various gaseous pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Planting trees like ginkgo biloba, oak, and linden can help improve outdoor air quality, which, in turn, can positively impact indoor air when proper ventilation occurs.
- Support policy changes: Advocate for stronger policies and regulations to reduce indoor air pollution. This includes supporting initiatives that promote the adoption of clean household energy, such as financial incentives for cleaner technologies and fuels, improved ventilation standards in building design, and educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of clean energy practices.
By implementing these preventative measures, we can significantly reduce indoor particulate pollution, thereby improving air quality and protecting the health and well-being of those affected by this pressing issue.
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Solutions and technology
While there is no precise data on the number of people who die annually from indoor particulate pollution, it is a significant contributor to the overall air pollution death toll. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution, both indoor and outdoor, causes approximately 7 million deaths per year. Another estimate by the IHME's Global Burden of Disease study puts the figure at 6.7 million deaths annually.
The following paragraphs discuss solutions and technologies aimed at reducing indoor particulate pollution:
Improved Stove Design and Alternative Fuels: Innovations in stove technology and the use of alternative fuels have significantly reduced indoor particulate pollution. For instance, biomass stoves can now be equipped with secondary combustions, fans, or insulated combustion chambers, which help burn off unused fuel and ventilate remaining pollutants. While the long-term goal is to move away from biomass stoves, they are a good transitional option for low- and middle-income countries with limited access to electricity or natural gas.
Solar Energy Solutions: Solar water heaters and passive solar heating and cooling systems reduce the need for solid fuel consumption, thereby lowering indoor air pollution.
Improved Ventilation: Implementing improved ventilation designs, such as stove hoods and chimneys, is crucial for funneling out indoor air pollutants. Proper ventilation can reduce the concentration of fine particles in the air, making indoor spaces healthier.
Low-Emitting Consumer Products and Building Materials: Using low-emitting consumer products and building materials is an essential strategy for controlling indoor air pollution. Many building standards now encourage or require the use of these low-emitting materials as part of an indoor air quality strategy.
Catalytic Converters and Smoke Scrubbers: Technological solutions like catalytic converters and smoke scrubbers are effective tools for improving air quality and reducing particulate matter, both indoors and outdoors.
Access to Clean Household Energy: Providing access to clean household energy solutions, such as solar power, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and alcohol fuels, can significantly reduce indoor air pollution caused by the use of polluting fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting.
Air Quality Monitoring: While not directly reducing emissions, air quality monitoring technologies, such as those offered by Kaiterra, help assess and improve indoor air quality in workplaces and iconic buildings worldwide.
Policy Interventions: Strong policy actions and strategies are necessary to ensure the adoption of clean household energy. This includes providing financial support for cleaner technologies and fuels, improving ventilation and housing design, and promoting clean energy use through communication campaigns.
Municipal and Agricultural Waste Management: Implementing strategies for waste reduction, separation, recycling, and improved waste management methods can reduce open incineration of solid waste. This includes using combustion technologies with strict emission controls when incineration is unavoidable and capturing methane gas emitted from waste sites for use as biogas.
Clean Transportation and Energy Sources: Shifting to clean modes of power generation, prioritizing rapid urban transit, walking and cycling networks, and adopting cleaner vehicles and low-emission fuels can significantly reduce outdoor air pollution, which can indirectly improve indoor air quality.
Industrial Emissions Reduction: Clean technologies that reduce industrial smokestack emissions and improve waste management can directly contribute to lowering indoor particulate pollution levels.
These solutions and technologies offer a comprehensive approach to reducing indoor particulate pollution, protecting public health, and mitigating the environmental impact of human activities.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that between 3.8 million and 4.3 million people die each year from indoor air pollution.
Indoor air pollution is caused by the use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies, such as kerosene lamps, and solid fuels like coal, wood, and biomass.
Women and children are particularly at risk from indoor air pollution, as they tend to spend the most time in the home. People in low-income countries are also more at risk, as they often do not have access to clean fuels and technologies.
The risks of indoor air pollution can be reduced by transitioning to clean fuels and technologies, such as solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas.
