BIOMASS USE AND EXPOSURE TO RESIDENTIAL AIR POLLUTION INCREASE THE RISK OF SERVERE COVID-19

Biomass remain the principal energy source for cooking food for around 3 billion people worldwide It is often burned in equipment with low efficiency and high emission of pollutants, which reduces the air quality inside homes. In this work, we discuss the main health problems that are related to the use of biomass and poor air quality in homes. We also brought information about the possible risks associated with COVID-19 in populations in greater social vulnerability and discussed the current situation in these countries, emphasizing the countries that most use solid fuels as a source of energy in homes. Health authorities must turn their attention to some Africa and Asia regions. These regions, despite not yet having a high number of cases and deaths due to COVID-19 like other more developed regions, can be considered as areas of risk, due to the great use of biomass as a residential fuel.