Predictors of Personal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter, Black Carbon, and Carbon Monoxide among Pregnant Women in Rwanda: Baseline Data from the HAPIN Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exposure to household air pollution from the combustion of solid fuels is a leading risk factor for death and disease in low- and middle-income countries, where cleaner cooking and lighting options are often unavailable. Few studies have measured personal exposure during pregnancy, a sensitive period of development, particularly in Africa.

Objective

We aimed to characterize exposure during early to midpregnancy among women in Rwanda and to assess predictors of personal exposure, including stove and fuel type, cooking behaviors, housing conditions, sociodemographic characteristics, and other potential sources of exposure.

Methods

We assessed 24-h baseline personal exposure data among 798 pregnant women in the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAP

SUBMITTER: Karakwende P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12061229 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature