Abstract
IntroductionIndoor air pollution from biomass fuel use has been found to be responsible for more than 1.6 million annual deaths and 2.7% of the global burden of disease. This makes it the second biggest environmental contributor to ill health, behind unsafe water and sanitation.MethodsThe main objective of this study was to investigate if there was any association between use of bio-fuels in food catering enterprises and respiratory health of the workers. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data collected using Qualitative and quantitative techniques.ResultsThe study found significantly higher prevalence of respiratory health outcomes among respondents in enterprises using biomass fuels compared to those using processed fuels. Biomass fuels are thus a major public health threat to workers in this sub-sector, and urgent intervention is required.ConclusionThe study recommends a switch from biomass fuels to processed fuels to protect the health of the workers.
Highlights
Indoor air pollution from biomass fuel use has been found to be responsible for more than 1.6 million annual deaths and 2.7% of the global burden of disease
The specific objectives of the study were: To assess the determinants of exposure to indoor air pollution from biomass fuels; To determine the major fuel types used by food catering enterprises in Nairobi and factors determining their choice; To establish prevalence of respiratory health symptoms exhibited by the workers; and To investigate the influence of exposure factors on prevalence of respiratory health outcomes exhibited
The study demonstrated that there is an association between use of biomass fuels in food catering enterprises and prevalence of respiratory disease symptoms among the workers
Summary
Indoor air pollution from biomass fuel use has been found to be responsible for more than 1.6 million annual deaths and 2.7% of the global burden of disease. According to [3] the three condition required for proper combustion are proper proportioning of fuel and oxygen (air), mixing of fuel and oxygen and ignition temperature of the fuel In such situations, biomass fuel use generates substantial emissions of many health-damaging pollutants, including respirable particulates and carbon monoxide, and results in indoor air pollution exposures often far exceeding national standards and international guidelines [4]. Where biomass fuels are used, the average daily exposure concentration of children under the age of 5 to PM10 (particulate matter smaller than 10 microns in diameter) is approximately 1500μg/m3 and that of adult women approximately 5000 μg/m3 This is many times higher than the latest United States Environmental Protection Agency (US: EPA) standard, which states that individuals should not to exceed PM10 levels of 150 μg/m3 for a 24-hour period [5]
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