Toward Clean Residential Energy: Challenges and Priorities in Research

Solid fuels used for cooking, heating, and lighting are major emission sources of many air pollutants, specifically PM2.5 and black carbon, resulting in adverse environmental and health impacts. At the same time, the transition from using residential solid fuels toward using cleaner energy sources can result in significant health benefits. Here, we briefly review recent research progress on the emissions of air pollutants from the residential sector and the impacts of emissions on ambient and indoor air quality, population exposure, and health consequences. The major challenges and future research priorities are identified and discussed.

Automated summary

Solid fuels used for cooking, heating, and lighting are significant sources of air pollutants, causing adverse environmental and health impacts. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources can result in substantial health benefits. Recent research has focused on emissions from the residential sector and their impact on air quality, population exposure, and health consequences, identifying major challenges and future research priorities.