Effectiveness of a fuel-efficient cookstove in the reduction of perceived respiratory symptoms among mothers in selected households of purok 6 in brgy santa cruz, sto tomas, Batangas: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background: There is a growing burden of indoor air pollution (IAP) in the Philippines. Indoor cooking with solid biomass fuels is a daily practice in 30% of poor Filipino households, contributing to a 76% accruable burden of respiratory diseases. An estimated 57% of the population with incomes under Php 5,000 will be vulnerable to exposure and have the poorest access to healthcare, making access to IAP-reducing interventions vital. This project aimed to determine the efficacy of a locally produced fuel efficient stove (FES) design in reducing exposure risk and perceived respiratory health conditions in mothers in households in a rural district in Batangas. Methods: Efficiency and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions of the FES were compared with traditional three-stone fire (TSF) stoves in the community. Participants answered an abridged questionnaire on perceived respiratory health. Findings: The laboratory test for stove efficiency showed that the FES boiled water 43% faster, consumed 28% less wood per minute, heated 60% more water per gram of wood, and transmitted 171% more heat to the pot compared to the TSF. The FES significantly reduced 73% CO emissions. Continued usage of the FES did not significantly decrease the symptoms within the study duration but is expected to lead to better health outcomes in the future. Interpretation: With the eventual transfer of technology for livelihood to the community, the project is perceived to be a sustainable venture that has the potential to lower exposure risk and improve health outcomes in the future. Funding: None. Contributors: BJEA, ZHA, RBDJ, MEE, KAL, JBMR, and LVS were involved in conducting the entire study. Thesis adviser MHTDC assisted the researchers in this study. Conflicts of interest: We declare that we have no conflicts of interest.