Indoor air pollution from solid fuels linked to thinking and memory problems: a review and analysis

A total of 277,001 participants across 13 studies indicate a negative correlation between solid fuel usage for cooking and cognitive scores.

• Higher solid fuel usage for cooking is associated with a lower total cognitive score (β=-0.73) and episodic memory score (β=-0.23).
• Household solid fuel usage for cooking increases the risk of cognitive impairment (HR=1.31) and cognitive decline (HR=1.24).
• Using clean fuel or switching from solid fuel to clean fuel is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline (OR=0.55 and OR=0.81, respectively).
• A negative association exists between solid fuel usage for heating and total cognitive score (β=-0.43) and episodic memory score (β=-0.22).
• Exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuel may contribute to cognitive impairment and cognitive decline.

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