Internal air pollution (IAP) is a result of inefficient cook stoves, or cook stoves being placed in areas without proper ventilation. The WHO considers IAP the fourth leading health concern world wide. IAP is most harmful to women and children because they spend the most time in the kitchen. In addition to lung problems such as upper respiratory infections, lowered lung capacity and so forth, inefficient cook stoves may also cause severe eye irritation and burns.

In the fall semester of 2007, Dr. Humphrey lead a research team of seven students from the University of Mary Washington on this important topic, with the goal of performing a stove intervention in the town of Siete de Abril in Honduras. The intervention has three stages: (1) a baseline health survey, (2) the implementation of the improved cook stoves themselves, and (3) a multi-stage monitoring process which will also use the baseline health survey.

In January of 2008, the research team went to Siete de Abril to perform the baseline health survey and to establish a partnership with ADESA, an experienced monitoring company, and graduates of Copprome, a female orphanage that SHH has been involved with in the past. Both partnerships were a success, and the team exceeded their goal of 40 surveys (they actually completed 53). More women who were not at home during the original surveying have expressed interest in being part of the research process.

This research team is committed to bringing improved cook stoves to the people of Siete de Abril, and to thereby improve their health. Additionally, we will be sure to confront any issues that may occur as a result of the intervention. (read less)

Internal air pollution (IAP) is a result of inefficient cook stoves, or cook stoves being placed in areas without proper ventilation. The WHO considers IAP the fourth leading health concern world wide. IAP is most harmful to women and children because they spend the most time in the kitchen. In addition to lung problems such as upper respiratory infections, lowered lung capacity and so forth, inefficient cook stoves may also cause severe eye irritation and burns.

In the fall semester of 2007,... (read more)