Household Air Pollution and Noncommunicable Disease

Abstract

The Health Effects Institute is a nonprofit corporation chartered in 1980 as an independent research organization to provide high-quality, impartial, and relevant science on the effects of air pollution on health. To accomplish its mission, the institute 1) identifies the highest-priority areas for health effects research; 2) competitively funds and oversees research projects; 3) provides intensive independent review of HEI-supported studies and related research; 4) integrates HEI’s research results with those of other institutions into broader evaluations; and 5) communicates the results of HEI’s research and analyses to public and private decision makers. HEI typically receives balanced funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the worldwide motor vehicle industry. Frequently, other public and private organizations in the United States and around the world also support major projects or research programs. This report was made possible by funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies. HEI has funded more than 340 research projects in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, the results of which have informed decisions regarding carbon monoxide, air toxics, nitrogen oxides, diesel exhaust, ozone, particulate matter, and other pollutants. These results have appeared in more than 260 comprehensive reports published by HEI, as well as in more than 1,000 articles in the peer-reviewed literature. HEI’s independent Board of Directors consists of leaders in science and policy who are committed to fostering the public–private partnership that is central to the organization. For Communication 18 on which this summary is based, the draft final report was reviewed by independent external peer reviewers, who were selected by HEI for their expertise. All project results are widely disseminated through HEI’s website (www.healtheffects.org), printed reports, newsletters and other publications, annual conferences, and presentations to legislative bodies and public agencies.