Cooking fuel used and noncommunicable diseases in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

China’s rapid growth has led to environmental, health, and economic challenges due to the widespread use of solid fuels such as coal and biomass. This issue is particularly prevalent in rural areas and affects 2.4 billion people globally. The harmful compounds released from burning these fuels are linked to various health issues. This review aims to summarize the health implications of solid fuel use in China and provide recommendations for cleaner cooking fuels. The study investigates the link between solid cooking fuel use and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in China. It includes data from 2000 to 2022, with a focus on indoor air pollution and NCD development. The research adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The search yielded 16 studies examining the link between solid cooking fuel use and NCDs in China. These studies covered a range of NCDs and indoor pollutants across 26 provinces, offering a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between indoor air pollution and NCDs. The findings revealed a significant prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer attributable to indoor air pollution exposure. The study underscores the need for public health intervention to reduce the burden of NCDs and promote the adoption of clean fuel. The evidence provided could motivate policies to encourage cleaner fuel usage.

Keywords

• clean fuel adoption
• indoor air pollution
• noncommunicable diseases
• public health intervention
• solid fuel use