Biomass fuel and lung diseases: An Indian perspective

Abstract

One half of the world's population relies on biomass fuel as the primary source of domestic energy. Biomass fuel exposure inflicts a high degree of morbidity and mortality upon the human race. This is especially true in the context of developing countries especially for India where biomass fuel is main source of the domestic energy. It is estimated that three-quarters of Indian households use biomass fuel as the primary means for domestic cooking. According to WHO estimate more than half of Indian population depends on solid fuel for domestic purpose. There are wide variations between the rural and urban households regarding the specific kind of biomass fuel used. Biomass fuel attributes for 5-6 % of the national burden of disease. Many respiratory diseases have been found to be associated with the exposure of biomass fuels such as acute lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and asthma. Published evidences from India suggest association of the respiratory diseases particularly tuberculosis, COPD, and lung cancer with biomass fuel exposure and also it contribute heavily to the burden of diseases. It is hoped that in future, studies on biomass exposure-associated morbidities and its prevention would claim priority. Concerted efforts in improving stove design and transition to high efficiency with low emission fuels may reduce respiratory disease associated with biomass fuel exposure.