Final answer:
About half of the world's population is exposed to severe indoor air pollution, resulting in over 1.6 million deaths per year. Women and children in developing countries are most affected. Measures to improve ventilation and use cleaner fuels can reduce this health risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
A significant number of people are subject to severe indoor pollution. It is estimated that half of the world's population, predominantly in developing countries, are exposed to hazardous indoor air pollution due to the use of solid fuels such as biomass and coal for cooking and heating in places without proper ventilation. This exposure results in more than 1.6 million deaths annually and accounts for 2.7% of the global burden of disease. Women and children, who typically spend more time indoors, are particularly affected, with many of the deaths involving children under the age of five.
In both developed and developing nations, indoor air pollution poses a serious health risk. Sources such as soot, carbon monoxide from unventilated stoves, and other pollutants from various indoor activities can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. To address these health risks, improving indoor air quality through better fuels, proper ventilation, and reducing indoor smoking can be beneficial.