Household Air Pollution from Cooking Fires Is a Global Problem
1Lisa M. Thompson is an associate professor in the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University in Atlanta. Contact author: lisa.thompson@emory.edu. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
The American Journal of Nursing
|October 26, 2019
Summary
Millions globally rely on wood for heating and cooking, leading to dangerous household air pollution. Nurses can help vulnerable populations by supporting clean cookstove initiatives worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Global Health
- Public Health Nursing
Background:
- Despite advances in air quality in the US, 12 million homes still burn wood for heating.
- Globally, 3 billion people depend on solid fuels like wood for cooking and heating, often without proper ventilation.
- Household air pollution is a significant global health risk, linked to severe health outcomes like pneumonia and cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the unrecognized burden of household air pollution on immigrant and refugee populations in the US.
- To inform nurses about the health impacts of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use.
- To advocate for nurses' involvement in promoting clean cookstove solutions.
Main Methods:
- Review of global household air pollution statistics and health impacts.
- Analysis of current practices in low-income countries versus the US regarding heating and cooking fuels.
- Identification of nursing roles in addressing household air pollution.
Main Results:
- Household air pollution is the 16th leading cause of death and disability globally.
- Lack of awareness among nurses regarding the health risks associated with household air pollution in vulnerable populations.
- Availability of clean cookstove technologies as a viable intervention.
Conclusions:
- Nurses play a crucial role in educating and advocating for vulnerable populations affected by household air pollution.
- Promoting access to clean cookstoves is essential for improving health outcomes in the US and globally.
- Interprofessional collaboration, including with organizations like the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, is key to addressing this global health challenge.
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