Review Of Cardiovascular Disease And Solid Fuel Use: Public Health Implications For South Africa
Domestic use of solid fuel for cooking and heating result in exposure to particulate matter (PM 2.5 PM10) Studies have shown that the use of solid fuel for cooking and heating is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in developing countries. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been associated with high mortality and morbidity rates in less developed countries. The review provides evidence indicating an association between domestic use of solid fuel and cardiovascular diseases. We adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) model to search of the literature was performed using the following search engines: Scopus, Science direct, and others. Two researchers reviewed papers for inclusion independently. Studies that were included covered fuel use and cardiovascular disease as an outcome. The search used different keywords such as cardiovascular, coronary heart disease, domestic fuel, indoor air pollution (IAP) particulate matter (PM) and the combination of each keyword. The review shows studies have been conducted in a well resourced country (USA) and in developing countries (China and India) Africa is a major user of solid fuel, there was no literature available on studies demonstrating an association between exposure to particulate matter and cardiovascular diseases. The data was screened and we agreed on including 6 articles from the 80 identified. This review shows growing evidence that links domestic fuel use and cardiovascular disease. Yet, there is a dearth of scientific evidence in poorly resourced countries. There is a need for in depth scientific knowledge on this issue to promote the development of public health policies, strategies and programmes. Furthermore, research will ensure the implementation of such policies based on informed best implementable practices. Public health reduces environmental risk factors; medical doctors extend the life span of patients. Public health measures extend to population cohorts, not individual life spans
2019 International Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy (DUE)