at home!by | 02-02-2013 07:05 |
|---|
|
Half the world's population uses fuel of poor quality as dung and other agricultural residues for cooking or heating. Levels of air pollution inside their homes are many times higher than the maximum levels of the rate of outdoor air pollution encountered or allowed. This has serious consequences in terms of health, especially for women and children who are most at risk. It is now established that indoor air pollution is the cause of a large number of acute respiratory infections. This risk increases with the degree of pollution and exposure time. It seems increasingly clear that indoor air pollution is the cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary such as pulmonary emphysema in adults, but also various forms of cancer, certain eye diseases and probably of tuberculosis. For pregnant women, exposure to indoor air pollution can reduce the weight of the infant at birth, thereby increasing the risk of infant mortality. There are also other advantages in improving the use of energy resources in the home: fireplaces pose a danger, the collection of fuel is a real chore and more, the use of fuels with low quality, in terms of energy inefficient (waste) and generates greenhouse gas emissions. However, the problem is very complex. A furnace designed for improved combustion of the wood does not necessarily emit fewer pollutants. It is not sure that improved stoves are an effective way to fight against indoor air pollution and thereby improve health. A promising option is the installation of a ventilation hood above the stove or fireplace, others improved ventilation methods are also possible. Another option is to adopt a cleaner fuel, but often more expensive. No action implemented on a large scale has not yet demonstrated its impact on reducing health problems related to indoor air pollution. As for sanitation, control of indoor air pollution is likely to require the use of marketing approaches, because people need to be convinced of the need to change their home and their behavior. Anyway, there is a need for more research on the impact of indoor air pollution on health, and to develop more appropriate and effective interventions to reduce it. |
