Health effect of indoor PM_2.5and co emissions from coal and biomass fired domestic appliances in remote rural China

Indoor air pollution from burning coal and biomass in domestic appliances poses a significant health risk in many disadvantaged rural communities. In this study, PM2.5 and CO emissions from household stoves burning coal and corncobs, respectively, in China's Shanxi Province were measured and analyzed. In the case of coal, the 24-h average emissions of PM2.5 and CO were 0.316 mg/m3 and 4.408 mg/m3, respectively, much higher than China's domestic air quality standard. In the case of corncobs, the PM2.5 and CO emissions were 0.139 mg/m3 and 1.276 mg/m3, respectively. Real time monitoring showed that variations of PM2.5 and CO emissions can directly be correlated with participants' indoor activities. A health survey revealed that the respiratory diseases in women, preschool children, and men were 40%, 47%, and 27%, respectively, due to coal burning, and higher than the corresponding 20%, 30%, and 10% due to biomass burning. It was found that preschool children were more vulnerable to respiratory diseases than adults. Therefore, measures to abate indoor air pollution due to domestic appliances burning coal and biomass in remote rural areas must be taken. The outcomes of this work have significant ramifications in the global effort to lift poverty and combat chronical health issues in disadvantaged communities in the developing countries where access to clean, commercial energy services is limited or absent.