Does biofuel smoke contribute to anemia and stunting in early childhood?

Exposure to biomass smoke has been linked to reduced birth weight, acute respiratory infections, and childhood mortality. This study examines the association between household use of biofuels (wood, dung, and crop residues) for cooking and heating and prevalence of anemia and stunting in children. The study provides a first evidence of a strong association between biofuel use and risks of anemia and stunting in children, suggesting that exposure to biofuel smoke may contribute to chronic nutritional deficiencies in young children. (Author abstract)