Assessing improved biomass stoves as an intervention for reducing indoor air pollution exposure in rural Kenya

Use of biomass fuels is a major source of indoor air pollution and health burden in developing countries. Improved biomass stoves have been suggested as an intervention for reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. This crosssectional study aimed to assess if an improved stove design (rocket stove) reduces kitchen and personal concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) in a rural population in Kenya. CO concentrations were monitored continuously for 48 hours in kitchens and at personal levels. Although the improved stoves were associated with lower 48-hour kitchen and personal CO levels, the difference with traditional three stone fires was not statistically significant. However, peak CO exposure during cooking was significantly reduced in the improved stove group. The measured CO concentrations, even with improved stove use, still fall above WHO 24-hour guidelines for indoor air quality and therefore remain a health concern.