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).