Toxic Cooking Smoke Claims Nearly Two Million Lives a Year and Contributes to Chronic Illness Including Lung Cancer

Preparing a meal is one of the most dangerous things to do in the developing world. Millions of people cook on open fires, which lead to health and safety problems.

According to American Cancer Society, toxic cooking smoke claims 1.9 million lives each year. Cooking smoke contributes to a range of chronic illnesses and acute health impacts such as early childhood pneumonia, emphysema, cataracts, lung cancer, bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, low birth weight, and burns.

The World Health Organization estimates that harmful cooking smoke is the fifth leading cause of death in poor developing countries. It is suggested to install a chimney hood, opening windows, and keeping children away from cooking fires, to reduce direct exposure to smoke.

Article Source: American Cancer Society