Using improved stoves to reduce lower respiratory infections in women and children

Exposure to indoor air pollution from biomass-burning stoves claims many lives every year. Smoke inhalation leads to Lower Respiratory Infections (LRI). LRI is a leading cause of death in children under five and is a major health concern for women. An intervention in Tuni Requena, Peru was implemented with the goal of decreasing indoor air pollution by replacing traditional stoves with improved adobe stoves. The intervention is a collaboration between The Chijnaya Foundation, Peru Solaris, and Loma Linda University School of Public Health. A team from Loma Linda University conducted particulate matter testing and surveys 29 in the community. Testing took place during morning and evening meal preparation. Data showed a statistically significant reduction in the PM4.5 measurements taken in the sitting position, and the PM10 measurement taken over a half-hour period. There was no significant reduction in the PM4.5 measurement standing position. Based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for indoor air pollution, the particulate matter within the majority of the homes was not acceptable in either pre or post findings. Results show that the goal of lowering particulate matter concentrations within the homes was achieved, but improvements are necessary to reach the EPA standards. Recommendations are to redesign the stoves to prevent smoke from entering the house. Meeting the EPA standards will greatly reduce the amount of smoke that women and children inhale, ultimately decreasing the number of LRI's in rural communities such as Tuni Requena.