Vulnerability of rural health exposed by indoor pollution generated from biomass and fossil fuels

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was done by considering the biomass (n=50) and fossil fuels (n=50) user in rural villages of West Bengal.The measured pollutants weresulphur dioxide, oxide of nitrogen and suspended particulate matter. However, level of average concentration of SO₂, NOx and suspended particulate matter showed higher in winter followed by premonsoon and least in summer respectively. Health related information indicate that fossil fuel users suffer more than that of biofuel users. They suffer from asthma (p<0.000), cough (p<0.000), lung cancer (p<0.000), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p<0.0000). Women who use biofuel are prone to the adverse pregnancy outcomes (low birth weights) (p<0.001), pneumonia (p<0.000), common cold and breathing problem (p<0.012). Results indicate that fossil fuel users are significantly more exposed to the pollutants than that of biofuels in all respects. The fossil fuel users are exposed to the highest concentration of SO₂ and SPM in winter and NOx in summer. Moreover, it was recorded that mainly three types of stoves were used by villagers in the study area. Health status data indicate about 64% of the villagers suffer from asthma, cough both and only 2% and 1% of the villagers are affected from pneumonia and respiratory problems.