A systematic review on solid fuel combustion exposure and respiratory health in adults in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2022 Feb 8;241:113926. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113926. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTEpidemiological studies performed in low- and middle-income countries have shown a positive association between solid fuel burning exposure and adverse health effects, including respiratory effects in adults. However, the evidence is less clear in other countries. We performed a systematic review of epidemiological studies conducted in Europe, North America (Canada and USA only), Australia and New Zealand on the association between outdoor and indoor exposure to solid fuel (biomass and coal) combustion and respiratory outcomes in adults. We identified 34 articles. The epidemiological evidence is still limited. Positive associations were found between indoor coal, wood and combined solid fuel combustion exposure and lung cancer risk, although based on a limited number of studies. A significant association was found between indoor solid fuel exposure and COPD risk. Inconsistent results were found considering indoor coal, wood and mixed solid fuel burning exposure and other respiratory outcomes (i.e. lower respiratory infections, upper respiratory infections and other upper respiratory tract diseases, asthma and respiratory symptoms). Inconsistent results were found considering the relationship between the exposure to outdoor wood burning exposure and overall respiratory mortality, asthma, COPD and respiratory symptoms in adults. The available epidemiological evidence...
Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: research