Starea de sănătate a populației din localitățile rurale în relație cu calitatea aerului interior | [Health status of rural population in relation to indoor air quality]

Abstract

About two million people die each year because of the heating and cooking systems, one million of them died as a result of obstructive lung diseases, and most of the victims were women. The aim of this study was to assess the health of the population and the quality of indoor air. Material and methods: 150 people were surveyed in three different areas of the country. The microclimatic parameters in the kitchen have been determined, while the dishes were prepared. Results: The analysis of the questionnaires have shown that half of those surveyed had suffered frequently from bronchitis, 28% at least once had suffered from pneumonia, 12% of people are suffering from obstructive bronchitis, 7% of asthma, and one person of lung cancer. 20% of investigated respondents have been diagnosed with ischemic heart disease and 7% of them with stroke. The most common sources of fuel used by the population are wood (73%), raw coal (1.3%), processed coal (2%), biomass (0.7%), and crop residues (67%). A high level of carbon dioxide concentration from 0.06% to 0.4% was determined in the kitchen air, as a result of using those fuel sources, the concentration of which exceeds the allowable maximum of 0.3%. Conclusions: Inadequate cooking conditions are a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.