How does unclean cooking impact people?

Open fires and burning kerosene indoors create dangerous air pollution. Inhaling the resulting smoke and fumes causes an increased risk of lung cancer, pneumonia, heart disorders and strokes for household members. It’s estimated that 3.2 million people die prematurely every year because of household air pollution.

Gender norms and expectations around domestic responsibilities mean that cooking falls mainly to women and girls. Unfortunately, this means they have less time available to study, carry out paid work and simply relax. They spend more time in the home in general. Cooking and being indoors mean they are particularly exposed to air pollution.