Indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for overall health, and emerging research highlights significant respiratory health risks linked to household chemical cleaners and biomass fuels. Recent findings presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2025 have underscored the detrimental effects of indoor air pollution, particularly in homes relying on traditional cooking and cleaning methods. This article summarizes key insights on these health risks and discusses preventive measures.
Biomass Fuels and Respiratory Health
A substantial portion of the global population relies on biomass fuels—such as wood and animal dung—for cooking and heating. In India, for instance, approximately 41% of households continue to use these traditional energy sources. Dr. Naresh Gupta from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University shared alarming data during the ERS Congress indicating that the use of solid biomass fuels significantly elevates the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 2.65 times compared to households using cleaner fuels.
Health Risks from Biomass Smoke
The combustion of biomass fuels often occurs in poorly ventilated spaces, generating harmful pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and black carbon. These airborne toxins are associated with various respiratory ailments, including pneumonia, COPD, cardiovascular diseases, and lung cancer. Gupta’s meta-analysis compared households using biomass with those using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and found that the former exhibited notably higher levels of indoor particulate matter and associated respiratory issues.
Women are particularly at risk, as they often spend extended periods near the cooking area, leading to heightened exposure. Gupta emphasized the need for improved ventilation, easier access to LPG, and the development of cleaner-burning stoves to mitigate these risks.
Health Risks from Cleaning Products
Simultaneously, cleaning products pose a significant threat to respiratory health. Dr. Sarah De Matteis from the University of Turin highlighted how the pandemic has accelerated the use of disinfectants in both households and occupational settings, raising concerns about asthma, COPD, and other respiratory symptoms. Professional cleaners are especially vulnerable due to their repeated exposure to these chemicals.
Mechanisms of Harm
De Matteis discussed various mechanisms through which chemical cleaners may provoke respiratory issues, including irritant and allergic airway responses. The challenge is compounded by insufficient labeling and frequent product reformulations, which make it difficult for consumers and healthcare providers to fully understand the health risks involved.
Prevention Strategies
Addressing the health risks associated with biomass fuels and cleaning products requires a multi-faceted approach:
Substituting Hazardous Ingredients: Moving towards safer, "green" products or simple alternatives like vinegar and baking soda can mitigate risk.
Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow during cleaning can significantly reduce the concentration of harmful chemicals in indoor environments.
Education and Training: Both consumers and professional cleaners should be educated about proper product use, including the risks of mixing different cleaning agents. De Matteis noted that gloves and masks are not always effective against small solvent molecules, highlighting the importance of robust safety measures in professional settings.
- Government and NGO Initiatives: Programs promoting the use of LPG and efficient cookstoves have been implemented in several countries. However, uptake is often hindered by costs and cultural preferences. By fostering wider accessibility, these initiatives can lead to a decrease in the reliance on biomass fuels and improve respiratory health outcomes.
Long-term Implications
Both presentations underscored the need for more research into the long-term and intergenerational effects of exposure to these pollutants. Gupta pointed out that childhood exposure to biomass smoke could influence lung development, while De Matteis linked maternal cleaning product use with increased asthma risks in children. This dual focus on both parental and child exposure underscores the interconnected nature of respiratory health in families.
Raising Awareness
During the discussion, both experts agreed on the critical need for awareness campaigns. Gupta and De Matteis highlighted that government and NGO efforts focused on education could drastically improve safe practices in households and workplaces.
Public Awareness: Informational campaigns about the respiratory risks of indoor pollution can change behavior, leading to safer practices.
- Interventional Studies: Continued research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing exposure to harmful substances within homes.
Conclusion
The insights from the ERS Congress reinforce the pressing need to address the health risks linked to chemical cleaning agents and biomass fuels in homes. As we become more aware of the implications of indoor air pollution, it is imperative to implement effective solutions—such as policy changes, community education, and improved products—to reduce the burden of respiratory diseases.
By prioritizing both preventative measures and education, we can pave the way for healthier homes and communities, ultimately contributing to a decline in preventable respiratory ailments worldwide. This is not merely a public health issue but a crucial step in protecting the health of future generations.
