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Consequences of indoor pollution in children in Latin America
  • Loría-Chavarría G,
  • M.E Soto-Martínez
Loría-Chavarría G
Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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M.E Soto-Martínez
Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social
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Abstract

Indoor air pollution represents a major health problem in developing countries. Common sources of household contaminants in these settings include gas or wood-fired stoves and ovens, heaters, fireplaces, tobacco smoke, dust mites, pets, mold, insecticides, and cleaning products. The use of biomass fuels or coal for daily activities, such as cooking, heating and lighting, are still common practices among many Latin American countries because of cultural behaviors, geographical conditions and limited access to cleaner energy sources. Inefficient combustion of these substances results in the release of toxic products, mainly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Additionally, tobacco consumption is frequent in the region and is a well-known cause of air pollution, while electronic cigarettes have also gained popularity worldwide and are now a new source of airborne chemicals. Exposure to all these substances has been associated with an increased risk of health issues, particularly in children, such as growth impairment, respiratory infections, asthma, reduced lung function, and development of adult lung diseases (e.g., cancer and COPD) (1).
03 Oct 2024Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
09 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
09 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
09 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Accept