Biomass Fuel and the Burden of COPD in Pakistani Women: Time for Cleaner Solutions
Keywords:
COPD, Biomass, Women, Rural Areas, PakistanAbstract
Millions of Pakistani women spend hours daily in smoke-filled kitchens burning biomass fuels (wood, dung, crop residues). This exposure causes COPD, chronic bronchitis, and impaired lung function even in non-smokers. Evidence shows household PM2.5 is strongly associated with wheeze, cough, and sputum production, with women bearing the greatest burden. Cleaner fuels, improved ventilation, community education, and early screening are urgently needed to address this preventable crisis.References
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