Chan M, “Air Pollution from Cookstoves: Energy Alternatives and Policy in Rural China,” Final Project Report, Summer Undergraduate Research Program, Carnegie Mellon University, February, 2000.  Download PDF file here.

Florig HK, “Indoor Air Pollution in Rural China – A Systems Perspective,” slides presented at the USAID/WHO Global Technical Consultation on the Health Impacts of Indoor Air Pollution and Household Energy in Developing Countries, 3-4 May 2000, Washington, DC.  Download PDF file here.

Most analyses of air pollution in China have focused on pollutants from coal burning in urban areas.  Although China’s urban air pollution problems are indeed very serious, air pollution in rural China is much worse.  In the countryside, biomass and coal are burned in stoves that are often poorly vented, producing extremely high levels of indoor air pollutants (IAP).  IAP is a common cause lung disease, particularly among woman and children who spend the most time in the home. In addition to health problems, the use of biomass cookstoves promotes deforestation and soil erosion from over-harvesting of wood, lowers soil fertility by diverting crop residues and dung which would otherwise serve as fertilizer, and imposes significant labor burdens associated with fuel gathering.

In this project, we review rural energy needs related to cookstove use in China, and its correlation to IAP and health.  We identify the social, economic, institutional, and natural factors that determine patterns of rural energy use.  Finally, we explore possible policy options for promoting changes in fuel or stove use to decrease rural IAP exposures.

    Back to project list