**Author details**

found that children's particulate emission exposure is similar to their mothers' [69]. Second, in comparison to adults, the still growing bodies of young children are more susceptible to

In a study on the concentration of indoor air pollutants due to the use of firewood for cooking and its effects on the lung function of women living in the selected homes in Nigeria, Ana et al. [71] reported that the concentration of PM10 and gaseous emissions such as CO and

That a man requires good quality housing has become a fact that cannot be entirely invalidated if he must enjoy a healthy life and wellness. However, several studies have reported that as opposed to the intents of man, built environment does not usually protect their inhabitant from various physical, social, economic and mental hazards, especially housing with poor quality. This therefore suggests that the quality of housing plays a major role in the health status and overall well-being of its resident, even though everyone has the right to decent and good standard of living. Overcrowding, poor ventilation, use of biomass fuel, mould growth in houses, dampness and poor quality have been identified as major predictors that have

 significantly exceeded the WHO limits by several folds. Chronic exposure to such high levels of indoor air pollutants particularly the respirable particulate matter as shown in **Plate 4** could possibly compromise the lung function status of women [71]. Olufunmilayo and Chi [72] reported that there is increased likelihood of ARI symptoms associated with children aged 1–2 years old in communities where indoor-biomass is used by households in North-Western and South Southern Nigeria Communities. A majority of households burn biomass fuels in open fireplaces, consisting of simple arrangements as three rocks, a U-shaped hole in a block of clay, a pit in the ground or in poorly functioning earth or metal stoves. However, the process of combustion in most of these stoves is incomplete, resulting in substantial emissions, which in the presence of poor ventilation produce very high levels of indoor pollution [73]. A case-control study carried out by Fakunle et al. [74] in Ibadan revealed that Children underfive carried by their mothers while cooking were 3.2 times more likely to develop ARIs.

ARI, leading to a high death rate in this age group [70].

**Plate 4.** Mother and child exposed to biomass emissions.

NO<sup>2</sup>

108 Housing

**11. Conclusions**

Adekunle Fakunle1,6\*, Johnson Ogundare<sup>2</sup> , Linda Olayinka-Alli<sup>3</sup> , Mayowa Aridegbe<sup>4</sup> , Temilade Bello5 , Opeyemi Elujulo<sup>6</sup> , Olamide Omigbile<sup>6</sup> and Ibiwunmi Saliu<sup>6</sup>

\*Address all correspondence to: fakunz@yahoo.com

