Indoor Air Quality in Kitchens in Rural China

Field measurements were conducted to assess the indoor air quality in kitchens using traditional stove without chimney, improved stove with chimney, and LPG stove in rural Hubei Province, China. Results showed that without cooking activity, concentrations of NO2, SO2, and CO in all kitchens met the national standard of China. On the other hand, PM2.5 in kitchens using LPG stove and traditional stove was slightly higher than the standard during the period without cooking activity. Cooking activity increased PM2.5 mass concentration and particle number concentration in all kitchens, especially in kitchen using traditional stove. With cooking activity, PM2.5 mass concentrations were well above the standard. Increase in CO, NO2, and SO2 concentrations during cooking was not as significant as PM2.5. Except for CO in traditional stove, mean concentrations of CO, NO2, and SO2 were below the standard even during cooking.