Effectiveness of an Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) Intervention on Reducing IAP and Improving Women’s Health Status in Rural Areas of Gansu Province, China

Abstract

Given the deleterious health effects associated with indoor air pollution\r(IAP), this study was conducted to evaluate an IAP intervention in rural areas in Gansu, one of the\rpoorest provinces of China. We selected 371\rrural households to take part in intervention measures including stove improvement\rand health education. Eight of 371 households were selected to conduct IAP sampling.\rFour hundred and thirteen women in these households completed a questionnaire\rand 49 women took part in lung function tests. After the intervention, PM4 levels reduced from 455 μg/m3 to 200 μg/m3 and CO reduced\rfrom 3.40 ppm to 2.90 ppm in indoor air. The percentage of predicted value of\rFEV1 and FVC improved to some degree after the intervention, but all the parameters of lung function assessment did not show a\rsignificant change. Prevalence rates of several symptoms associated with\rIAP significantly declined in the study population, compared with baseline\rlevels. Intervention measures combining stove improvement with health education\rwere effective in reducing IAP levels. Women’s health status, including eye and\rrespiratory symptoms, also showed improvement. However, the effect on lung function\rwas not apparent and warranted additional follow-up. Similarly, evaluation of\rthe long term effects of the IAP intervention will require future studies.