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World J Clin Pediatr. May 8, 2013; 2(2): 6-15
Published online May 8, 2013. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v2.i2.6
Published online May 8, 2013. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v2.i2.6
Indoor air pollution and respiratory health of children in the developing world
Sumal Nandasena, National Institute of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Kalutara, KT 12000, Sri Lanka
Ananda Rajitha Wickremasinghe, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, GQ 11010, Sri Lanka
Nalini Sathiakumar, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
Author contributions: Nandasena S completed the initial literature survey; Nandasena S, Wickremasinghe AR contributed to summarize all eligible papers, synthesized the findings and drafted the manuscript; Sathiakumar N helped in drafting the final manuscript, and Nandasena S is the guarantor of the work; All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Sumal Nandasena, National Institute of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, No. 28, Mathugama Road, Kalutara, KT 12000, Sri Lanka. sumalnandasena@gmail.com
Telephone: +94-71-8289349 Fax: +94-34-2226319
Received: February 18, 2013
Revised: April 4, 2013
Accepted: April 17, 2013
Published online: May 8, 2013
Revised: April 4, 2013
Accepted: April 17, 2013
Published online: May 8, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Indoor air pollution (IAP) is a key contributor to the burden of disease in developing countries; use of solid fuel for cooking and heating is the main source of IAP. Children are among the most vulnerable groups for adverse effects of IAP. The respiratory system is a primary target of air pollutants resulting in a wide range of acute and chronic effects. The spectrum of respiratory adverse effects ranges from mild subclinical changes and mild symptoms to life threatening conditions, and even death. This review summarizes the available information on IAP exposure during childhood and its effects on respiratory health in developing countries.