Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tanxin Liu, Ru Chen, Rongshou Zheng, Liming Li, Shengfeng Wang
Summary: Research shows that long-term use of solid cooking fuel may increase the risk of breast cancer, with coal users having a higher risk than wood users. Switching from solid to clean fuels can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bing Zhang, Liping Huang, Xiaoyan Zhu, Longmei Ran, Hang Zhao, Zhigang Zhu, Yuqing Wang
Summary: Household solid fuel use is associated with the development of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older Chinese adults, especially in developing countries. Both cooking and heating with solid fuel increase the risk of sarcopenia. Switching from solid to clean fuel use may help reduce the burden of sarcopenia.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rebecca Witinok-Huber, Maggie L. Clark, John Volckens, Bonnie N. Young, Megan L. Benka-Coker, Ethan Walker, Jennifer L. Peel, Casey Quinn, Joshua P. Keller
Summary: Traditional cooking with solid fuels creates household air pollution, leading to millions of premature deaths worldwide. This study analyzed the impact of household and personal variables on exposure to fine particulate matter and black carbon. Stove type was found to have the greatest influence on exposure. Future research should include tracking participants' cooking behaviors and daily activities to further understand exposure variations.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peter Nuhu, Dramani Bukari, Eric Zunuo Banye
Summary: Household cooking in developing countries like Ghana is often done using traditional cookstoves and unclean fuels, resulting in significant costs at both the private and social levels. This study compared the benefits and costs of households switching to improved cooking technologies, finding negative private benefits but overall positive net benefits, suggesting the need for national policy to incentivize adoption.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elena McLean, Jaeyoung Hur, Taehee Whang
Summary: This study examines the impact of domestic and international policies on household solid fuel consumption, finding that an increase in domestic policies can reduce the use of solid fuels, while international efforts to promote renewable energy are linked to reduced solid fuel dependence.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Robert M. Weltman, Rufus D. Edwards, Lauren T. Fleming, Ankit Yadav, Cheryl L. Weyant, Brigitte Rooney, John H. Seinfeld, Narendra K. Arora, Tami C. Bond, Sergey A. Nizkorodov, Kirk R. Smith
Summary: The study highlights the discrepancy between controlled emissions testing in laboratories and real-world emissions during normal use of cookstoves. Results indicate that the cookstoves may have a net cooling impact on the climate when considering factors such as nonrenewable biomass harvesting and various emissions, making them close to climate neutral in terms of primary PM2.5 emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Munkhjargal Dorjravdan, Katsuyasu Kouda, Tsolmon Boldoo, Naranzul Dambaa, Tugsdelger Sovd, Chikako Nakama, Toshimasa Nishiyama
Summary: Based on the Mongolian National Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey data, there is a significant association between household solid fuel use for heating and tuberculosis. Increased public awareness on the use of solid fuels as a source of indoor air pollution is necessary.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eunice Phillip, Jessica Langevin, Megan Davis, Nitya Kumar, Aisling Walsh, Vincent Jumbe, Mike Clifford, Ronan Conroy, Debbi Stanistreet
Summary: Household air pollution from biomass fuels used for cooking has significant negative health impacts on low-income and low-resourced communities. However, many improved cookstoves lack empirical evidence of pollutant reduction and field reliability. This scoping review evaluated the characteristics of cookstoves available in sub-Saharan Africa, and found that most improved cookstoves reduced harmful emissions compared to traditional fires, although the levels were still higher than recommended. Affordability and user perspectives, including safety, cooking suitability, and fuel/time savings, were important considerations.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hehua Zhang, Yang Xia, Han Su, Qing Chang, Yuhong Zhao
Summary: The use and switching of household solid fuel are associated with incident stroke, with simultaneous use for heating and cooking posing the highest hazard effect. Persistent use of clean fuel for both heating and cooking is associated with a lower risk of stroke occurrence.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tiancong Liu, Limin Cao, Peng Lv, Song Bai
Summary: There is a strong association between household solid fuel use and poor hearing function, especially in urban communities. Educational programs should be established to raise awareness of the effects of household fuel use on hearing function.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yashu Liu, Qing Chang, Yang Xia, Yuhong Zhao
Summary: This study found that using household solid fuel for cooking, but not for heating, is associated with a decrease in handgrip strength (HGS). Men and individuals who have smoked had a greater decrease in HGS when using solid fuel for cooking.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Xia, Hehua Zhang, Limin Cao, Yuhong Zhao
Summary: This study found that long-term use of solid fuels in cooking and heating by middle-aged and older adults in China is associated with reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF), especially in those aged 65 and older, females, and current or former smokers. Participants using solid fuels experienced a decrease in PEF compared to those using clean fuels, indicating the adverse effects of indoor air pollution on lung function in this population.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sek Ying Chair, Kai Chow Choi, Mei Sin Chong, Ting Liu, Wai Tong Chien
Summary: Using data from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study, this research investigated the relationship between the use of solid fuels for cooking and depression among adults in rural China. The study found that longer exposure to solid fuel use for cooking was associated with increased odds of having a major depressive episode. Therefore, reducing the use of solid fuels and promoting clean energy should be encouraged.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sek Ying Chair, Kai Chow Choi, Xi Cao, Ho Yu Cheng, Janita Pak Chun Chau, Ting Liu, Wai Tong Chien
Summary: This study found that the use of household solid fuels for cooking is significantly associated with an increased risk of sleep disturbance, with longer exposure time correlating with higher risk. Further research is needed to examine the underlying mechanisms of this association.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wyatt M. Champion, Michael D. Hays, Craig Williams, Larry Virtaranta, Mark Barnes, William Preston, James J. Jetter
Summary: The study compared emissions and efficiency data between the ISO protocol and the Water Boiling Test (WBT), finding that most stove types remain similarly ranked using ISO and WBT protocols, except for charcoal and LPG in higher PM2.5 tiers with the ISO protocol. Additionally, the ISO protocol generally results in higher PM2.5 tier ratings compared to the Firepower Sweep Test (FST).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lesley Sinclair, Margaret McFadden, Helen Tilbrook, Alex Mitchell, Ada Keding, Judith Watson, Linda Bauld, Frank Kee, David Torgerson, Catherine Hewitt, Jennifer McKell, Pat Hoddinott, Fiona M. Harris, Isabelle Uny, Kathleen Boyd, Nicola McMeekin, Michael Ussher, David M. Tappin
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fiona Dobbie, Isa Uny, Douglas Eadie, Edward Duncan, Martine Stead, Linda Bauld, Kathryn Angus, Liz Hassled, Lisa MacInnes, Gareth Clegg
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Heather D. Price, Ellis A. Adams, Peter D. Nkwanda, Theresa W. Mkandawire, Richard S. Quilliam
Summary: This study quantified daily changes in household water access and quality in an urban slum in Malawi, revealing that water quality, access, and related health risks in urban slums change at much finer (daily) temporal scales than is conventionally monitored and reported globally. Households relied on multiple water sources, but due to seasonal changes and inadequate supply, no household had completely safe drinking water every day.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Allison Ford, Isabelle Uny, Judith Lowes, Felix Naughton, Sue Cooper, Tim Coleman, Peter Hajek, Dunja Przulj, Katie Myers Smith, Linda Bauld, Lesley Sinclair, Robert Walton, Miranda Clark, Michael Ussher
Summary: The study found that pregnant women provided with e-cigarettes have high adherence levels in using them for smoking cessation. Adherence was mainly driven by necessity beliefs, outweighing concerns about vaping. Non-adherence was mainly due to unintentional factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Niamh Fitzgerald, Francesco Manca, Isabelle Uny, Jack Gregor Martin, Rachel O'Donnell, Allison Ford, Amelie Begley, Martine Stead, Jim Lewsey
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in alcohol availability, including closures, curfews, and restrictions, with potential long-term risks for public health such as increased home drinking. Research findings showed a decrease in alcohol-related ambulance callouts during the pandemic, but highlighted potential long-term risks associated with increased home drinking.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
I Uny, K. Angus, E. Duncan, F. Dobbie
Summary: This systematic review explored the barriers and facilitators to engaging with bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in economically deprived communities. The review revealed that the willingness to learn or perform CPR is not lower in deprived communities compared to the general population, but the confidence to perform CPR is affected by socioeconomic factors. Additionally, specific barriers in deprived communities include personal safety risks, fear of legal consequences, and lack of community cohesion and cultural barriers.
PERSPECTIVES IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Amy McCarron, Sean Semple, Christine F. Braban, Vivien Swanson, Colin Gillespie, Heather D. Price
Summary: Air pollution causes 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year. Policy measures are slow to generate change, so individual actions are needed to reduce exposure to air pollution. Air quality indices are not always effective in instigating individual change. A combination of personalized air quality data and greater public engagement is necessary for promoting individual action.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ellis Adjei Adams, Sydney Byrns, Save Kumwenda, Richard Quilliam, Theresa Mkandawire, Heather Price
Summary: This study examines the daily water fetching journeys of women in urban informal settlements in Africa, highlighting the physical labor and risks involved in the process and their impact on women's health. It emphasizes the importance of considering the embodied effects of water-fetching journeys in interventions to improve household water insecurity.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Heather D. Price, Cressida J. Bowyer, Patrick Bueker, Cindy M. Gray, Matthew Hahn, Fiona Lambe, Miranda Loh, Alexander J. Medcalf, Timothy Kamau Njoora, Charlotte Waelde, Megan Wainwright, Sarah E. West
Summary: Transdisciplinary research is essential for addressing sustainability challenges, but it can be difficult to implement and may fail. This study used a framework to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a project on air pollution in Nairobi and provided practical recommendations, such as building a team with key stakeholders and ensuring regular communication.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amy McCarron, Sean Semple, Christine F. Braban, Colin Gillespie, Vivien Swanson, Heather D. Price
Summary: This study investigates the acute effects of personal exposure to PM2.5 on self-reported asthma-related health. The results show individual exposure to PM2.5 varies across microenvironments and is associated with asthma symptoms. However, there is no significant association between exposure and reliever inhaler use.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Raisya Nur Syazmeen Abdul Mutalib, Nurul Latiffah Abd Rani, Aziemah Zulkifli, Norul Hernani Abd Latif, Ruaraidh Dobson, Tengku Azmina Engku Ibrahim, Sean Semple, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Isabelle Uny, Rachel O'Donnell
Summary: A study conducted in Malaysia found that male smokers' home-smoking behaviors are influenced by a lack of understanding of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. This highlights the need for public information campaigns to educate men about the harms of SHS in the home and ways to prevent its spread within the household.
NICOTINE & TOBACCO RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Sarah E. West, Cressida J. Bowyer, William Apondo, Patrick Bueker, Steve Cinderby, Cindy M. Gray, Matthew Hahn, Fiona Lambe, Miranda Loh, Alexander Medcalf, Cassilde Muhoza, Kanyiva Muindi, Timothy Kamau Njoora, Marsailidh M. Twigg, Charlotte Waelde, Anna Walnycki, Megan Wainwright, Jana Wendler, Mike Wilson, Heather D. Price
Summary: The research utilized arts and humanities methods to explore air pollution in an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Collaborating with local residents, researchers developed various methods to understand perceptions of air pollution, revealing contrasting definitions and views on responsibility for solutions. The study emphasized the importance of using qualitative, participatory, and creative methods to engage stakeholders in addressing multifactorial issues like air pollution.
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Niamh Fitzgerald, Isabelle Uny, Ashley Brown, Douglas Eadie, Allison Ford, Jim Lewsey, Martine Stead
Summary: The study examined the challenges faced by licensed premises operating under COVID-19 restrictions, finding that potentially significant risks of COVID-19 transmission persisted in a substantial minority of observed bars, especially when customers were intoxicated, despite efforts from bar operators and government guidance.
JOURNAL OF STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bregje Christina de Kok, Isabelle Uny, Mari Immamura, Jacqueline Bell, Jane Geddes, Ann Phoya
QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
(2020)