This booklet is based on two studies: 1) India: Household Energy, Indoor Air Pollution, and Health (World Bank 2002); and 2) India: Access of the Poor to Clean Household Fuels (World Bank 2003). The publication sets out by defining the dangers of biomass fuel smoke and the health problems it causes in India. Differences in exposure across fuel type, across household members, and by kitchen type in solid-fuel households are discussed. Changing household energy patterns in India are then described with special attention to switching to cleaner fuels like kerosene and LPG, processed biomass-based fuels like biogas, and improved stoves.

This is a World Bank report.