WHO sets emissions standards for reducing indoor air pollution

4.3 million global premature deaths around each year attributed to illnesses caused by household air pollution

Published on:

14 Nov 2014, 10:15 am

The World Health Organization has set targets for reducing emissions of health-damaging pollutants from domestic cook stoves, space heaters and fuel-based lamps. While highlighting the dangers of burning fuels like unprocessed coal and kerosene in the home, the global health agency issued guidelines for reducing emissions.

The new WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: household fuel combustion follow close on the heels of WHO findings earlier this year which revealed that more than 7 million deaths – one in eight of total global deaths – are due to indoor or outdoor air pollution exposure. As many as 4.3 million children and adults die prematurely each year from illnesses caused by household air pollution, says WHO.

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Emissions targets

Fine particulate matter

Appliances with chimneys or hoods: no more than 0.80 milligrams/minute (mg/min).
Unvented stoves, heaters and fuel-based lamps: no more than 0.23 mg/min.

Carbon monoxide