Effectiveness of Improved Cookstoves to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution in Developing Countries. The Case of the Cassamance Natural Subregion, Western Africa

Candela De La Sota,Adolfo Narros,Javier Mazorra,Luz Fernández,Rafael Borge,Julio Lumbreras

doi:10.4236/gep.2014.21001

Candela De La Sota, Adolfo Narros + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2014.21001

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Abstract

The Spanish NGO “Alianza por la Solidaridad” has installed improved cookstoves in 3000 households during 2012 and 2013 to improve energy efficiency reducing fuelwood consumption and to improve indoor air quality. The type of cookstoves were Noflaye Jeeg and Noflaye Jaboot and were installed in the Cassamance Natural Subregion covering part of Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. The Technical University of Madrid (UPM) has conducted a field study on a sample of these households to assess the effect of improved cookstoves on kitchen air quality. Measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particle matter (PM2.5) were taken for 24-hr period before and after the installation of improved cookstoves. The 24-hr mean CO concentrations were lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for Guinea-Bissau but higher for Senegal and Gambia, even after the installation of improved cookstoves. As for PM2.5 concentrations, 24-hr mean were always higher than these guidelines. However, improved cookstoves produced significant reductions on 24-hr mean CO and PM2.5 concentrations in Senegal and for mean and maximum PM2.5 concentration on Gambia. Although this variability needs to be explained by further research to determine which other factors could affect indoor air pollution, the study provided a better understanding of the problem and envisaged alternatives to be implemented in future phases of the NGO project.

Highlights

According to the International Energy Agency 2.7 billion people (40% of global population) rely on the traditional use of biomass for cooking (IEA, 2010)
carbon monoxide (CO) measurements show that 24-hr mean concentrations are higher than World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values in Senegal and Gambia, and lower in Guinea-Bissau
Concerning potential health problems associated to 24-hr mean CO concentrations, only Guinea-Bissau values were lower than the WHO guidelines, both before and after the cookstove implementation

Summary

Introduction

According to the International Energy Agency 2.7 billion people (40% of global population) rely on the traditional use of biomass for cooking (IEA, 2010). There is scientific evidence that risk of pneumonia and acute infection of the lower respiratory tract among children under five years old and risk of suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adult women are bigger in households where wood or coal is used for cooking activities than in those where electricity, gas or other cleaner fuels are used (WHO, 2006). During this period, improved cookstoves were installed in 3000 households

Study Design

Results and discussion

Conclusion