A narrative review on the non-cancerous effects of household air pollution

Household air pollution (HAP), primarily generated through the indoor combustion of biomass fuels such as wood, charcoal, dung, and crop residues, remains a major global health concern affecting more than three billion people. Although HAP is a well-established carcinogen, its non-cancerous health effects are less clearly defined. This review synthesizes current evidence on the non-malignant health consequences of HAP, highlighting critical gaps in knowledge. Across literature, HAP is associated with respiratory diseases, particularly pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Additional studies indicate elevated risks of cardiovascular dysfunction, along with increased cataract formation, potential contributions to age-related macular degeneration, cognitive impairment in older adults, and reduced bone mineral density, though these findings remain inconclusive. Limitations such as variability in exposure measurement, reliance on observational studies, and regional differences underscore the need for further research. Overall, while HAP represents a substantial contributor to global morbidity and mortality, further investigation is needed to clarify causal relationships and guide large-scale mitigation strategies.