Household Air Pollution From Cooking Fires: A Challenge for Nurses Globally and a Call to Action

Abstract

The global burden of disease from exposure to household air pollution related to cooking fires is ranked as the 6th leading cause of death, primarily impacting poor women and children in low-income countries. Globally, smoke exposure from household air pollution is attributed to approximately 1/3 of chronic obstructive pulmonary deaths, 1/4 of pneumonia deaths, and 3% of lung cancer deaths. Nurses are increasingly working in global health arenas but are typically ill-prepared to address this complex environmental health problem. Nurses can play a key role in education, practice, and research to develop and support interventions, both in the United States and abroad, which may reduce this substantial burden of disease.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge Firehiwot Mengesha, MS, BS; Todd Allen Wofchuck, MS, BA; Wubshet Tadele, BS; and the Project GAIA staff and administration for their exemplary field work and dedication to helping those who are underserved.