Achieving better indoor air quality through improved biomass-burning stoves

The built environment is an essential part of public health. In many developing countries biomass-burning stoves with poor infrastructure create a toxic environment that claims millions of lives every year. Women and children are disproportionately exposed to this environmental risk because of their time spent indoors. One of the leading causes of death in children under five is lower respiratory infections (LRI), commonly attributed to elevated levels of indoor air pollution. The purpose of this study is to raise awareness and assess the air particulate matter concentration emitted from improved biomass-burning stoves in Tuni Requena, Peru. Located at approximately 13,000 feet in the Peruvian Altiplano, residents of Tuni Requena have an elevated risk for developing LRI due to altitudinal stress. A partnership with the local NGO, Chijnaya Foundation, was established to address the identified need to improve indoor air quality. Air particulate matter sampling and Community Based Participatory Research was utilized in the analysis of indoor air pollution levels in 29 homes that installed improved stoves. Haz-Dust machines (1100 PM4.5 and 1004 PM10) were utilized to measure pre and post particulate matter concentrations within each household. Key informant interviews revealed the community members' perceived effectiveness of improved stoves. Initial quantitative analysis revealed improved stoves non-significantly lowered air particulate matter concentrations, but not to United States EPA standards. More quantitative measurements are needed to provide conclusive data. Future improvements are necessary to significantly reduce air particulate concentrations to a level accepted by world standards. Recommendations, achievements and barriers will be presented.