Combustion and Cookstoves

Abstract

The cookstove determines the fuel type to be used for combustion. The amount of emission and composition of air pollutants is based on the fuel and cookstove type which is varied geographically. Combustion of solid fuel for cooking purpose is the key source of household air pollution in many developing countries leading to various adverse health impacts. Health impact due to solid fuel combustion for cooking are in respiratory system (i.e., lower respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cardiovascular system (e.g., high blood pressure, elevations in electrocardiograms), pregnancy (e.g., low birth weight, stillbirths); causes cancer (e.g., lung cancer), and affect neurodevelopment of young children. Appropriate interventions and techniques could prevent and control the household air pollution by minimising the emission from the source (e.g., shifting from solid fuels to clean fuels) improving the living environment (e.g., increase the ventilation by having windows, doors and chimney in the kitchen; and modifying the behaviour and practices of cookstove users (e.g., amount and type of solid fuel use).