Household Air Pollution, Women’s Health and Social Inequalities in the Himalayas

Abstract

Household air pollution (HAP) is one of the environmental and human health tragic consequences that in the Himalayan region significantly affect women and children. Dependence on biomass fuels like wood, dung and crop remains as sources of cooking and heating together with poor household ventilation is a potent source of particulate matter (PM 2. 5, PM 10), carbon monoxide, black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, adverse pregnancy outcomes and developmental risks in children, are some of the reasons that are promoted by prolonged publicity. In addition to the biomedical implications, exposure is influenced by socio-cultural and economic aspects such as gendered division of labor, time poverty and livelihood trade-offs (migration and structural inequalities). The review draws on literature of the past twelve years (i.e., since 2010) to review not only the health-related effects of HAP but also sociological aspects that contribute to defenselessness. These findings point to the need to have gender-sensitive community interventions, which would inbuilt clean energy applications and public health interventions and social equity aspects. The policy recommendations are specific LPG/biogas dispensation, a culturally sensitive campaign and a women-centric energy governance to minimize the barriers of the health disparities and encourage a sustainable household energy transition in the Himalayas.