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Another factor worth considering is local air quality.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), produced by biomass combustion, has been linked to the development of diabetes.
Are the rural First Nations populations cooking and heating with wood?
Are the women in those communities exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 than the men, due to more time spent in or near the home?
Anyone near a wood fire is exposed to intense, localized air pollution including a megadose of PM2.5; these high level levels are not reflected in ambient air quality measurements taken by provincial governments.
As exposure to PM2.5 is a risk factor for many other health issues including cancer, heart disease, asthma, COPD, dementia, and damage to the unborn, this would be a worthwhile area for further research.
“The global toll of diabetes attributable to PM2·5 air pollution is significant. Reduction in exposure will yield substantial health benefits.”
The 2016 global and national burden of diabetes mellitus attributable to PM 2·5 air pollution
Crossref DOI link: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(18)30140-2
Published: 2018-07
The Lancet Planetary Health