Health Effects of Cooking Air Pollution Among Women Using Coal Briquettes in Hanoi

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Abstract
Women using coal briquettes exhibited more cough symptoms than electricity users, and showed more symptoms on carbon monoxide exposure (dizziness, concentration difficulties, headaches). Eye irritation while cooking was significantly more common among coal users. The peak expiratory flow rate was strongly associated with age and weight but not directly with fuel use. Women using coal briquettes were exposed to somewhat higher levels of pollution (respirable particulates and CO) than electricity users, though the background level of pollution was high for both groups, and the differences in exposure was not statistically significant. Coal users were worse off with respect to infrastructure and socioeconomic conditions. They were also more concerned about environmental problems, especially related to air pollution and indoor conditions. The prevalence of non-cough respiratory symptoms (breathing difficulties etc.) was not different between coal and electricity users. This may be due to high ambient pollution for all groups and relatively short duration of coal use. Thus, the study does not show that coal use is unambiguously associated with respiratory health impairment. Higher prevalences of eye irritation while cooking and cough among coal users may, however, be considered a warning against further promoting this fuel in Hanoi, especially since the groups likely to use coal are disadvantaged economically and socially. Infrastructural improvements in the urban environment as well as structural improvements of the kitchen are suggested as ways to improve the conditions associated with the health outcomes studied.

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