Household air pollution claiming women’s and children’s lives prematurely
Summary
Indoor air pollution from traditional cooking fuels is causing serious health issues and premature deaths, especially among women and children in Nepal, highlighting the urgent need for better ventilation and clean cooking solutions.
Key Points
- Indoor air pollution from traditional fuels like firewood and cow dung is a major health hazard, especially for Nepali women and children.
- In 2021, nearly 2.9 million people worldwide died due to household air pollution, including over 309,000 children under five.
- Approximately 8,007 women and children in Nepal die prematurely each year due to indoor air pollution from burning firewood.
- WHO and health experts recommend using electric stoves and better kitchen ventilation to reduce health risks related to indoor smoke.
