Biomass fuel exposure has been one of the leading causes of many respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In a diverse agriculture-driven country like India, the major substances used as biomass fuels are the by-products of agriculture, which become locally available for use, and hence, this varies according to regional availability. This article tries to explore one such material, a by-product of the commercialized crop of areca nut, its husk as a biomass fuel. The Malabar coastal region of South India is a major producer of areca nut, and burning the areca nut husk as biomass fuel is a significant etiological factor for respiratory health in the population of this region. There is insufficient scientific evidence on its impact on the various aspects of human health, most importantly respiratory disorders. Hence, this is an attempt to incite the scientific community to develop robust evidence for the future.
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