Biomed Environ Sci. 2026 Apr 20;39(4):447-463. doi: 10.3967/bes2025.141.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the global, regional, and national cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden caused by household air pollution (HAP) from 1990 to 2021 across regions, time periods, sexes, and age groups.
METHODS: The global CVD mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to HAP are analyzed to assess their current status and historical trends. Quantitative methods are used to assess health inequalities. Projections up to the year 2040 are made using the Nordpred method.
RESULTS: In 2021, 0.758 million deaths and 18.175 million DALYs were attributed to HAP-related CVD, with age-standardized rates ( ASR) for mortality and DALYs of 8.950 and 210.354 per 100,000 individuals, respectively. The disease burden increased with age and was higher in men. While mortality and DALYs rates have decreased over the past three decades, with more significant reductions in low- and middle-income regions, health inequalities persist despite improvements. Projections indicate a slow increase in the CVD burden attributable to HAP by 2040, even as the per capita rates decline.
CONCLUSION: Although significant reductions in CVD attributable to HAP have occurred globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, disparities persist. Health inequalities have improved but remain significant. As the global population grows and ages, total cases will increase, highlighting the need for continued, targeted interventions.
PMID:42104664 | DOI:10.3967/bes2025.141