Exposure to Air Pollution in Rural Malawi: Impact of Cooking Methods on Blood Pressure and Peak Expiratory Flow

We made static and personal PM2.5 measurements with a miniature monitor (RTI MicroPEM) to characterise the exposure of women cooking wood charcoal in indoor outdoor locations rural Malawi, together blood pressure peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Mean concentrations 1338 31 µg/m3 were observed 1 m from cookstove during charcoal, respectively. Similarly, mean exposures 706 94 Personal 3.3 1.7 times greater than equivalent for Prior measured exposure, six out eight participants had PEFR observations below 80% their expected (age height) standardised PEFR. reductions locations. Five reported breathing difficulties, coughing, eye irritation when but that symptoms less severe charcoal. In conclusion, we was substantially reduced by As both fuels are associated negative environmental health impacts, adoption high-efficiency cookstoves polluting sources energy will be highly beneficial. Cooking outside whenever possible, minimising time spent close proximity stoves, may simple interventions could reduce risks exacerbation progression respiratory cardiovascular diseases Malawi.