PM10 EXPOSURE FROM COOKING FUELS AND IMPACT ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN: EXPERIENCE FROM SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

ISEE-440 Introduction: This paper describes the concentration of particulate matter (10μm) in smoke generated from different fuels - firewood, kerosene, charcoal and gas - used by communities, and the health impacts on women and children. Methods: The study was located in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, with a population of over 3.5 million. Five Local Government Areas of the inner Ibadan metropolis were involved in the study. The communities were selected from three strata - high, medium and low density areas - based on population density and socio-economic status. Stratified random sampling was employed to select four communities from each stratum, based on the type of fuel being used. Ekotedo and Agbeni were selected to represent high density areas, Agbowo represented the medium density area, and Old Bodija represented the low density area. The eligible population for the purpose of the study comprised every mother aged 16 years and above and children younger than 5 years of age, who were permanent residents in the identified areas. In all, 186 households were monitored for PM10, while 130 mother-child pairs were interviewed and monitored for exposure effects. A structured questionnaire was administered to the mothers to gather information on demographic characteristics and the fuel types used. Focus group discussions and air monitoring were also conducted. Results: PM10 concentration was measured thrice in each household for over 5 minutes. Measurement was done when the fire was ignited and started burning. Readings from the three measurements were pooled and computed. The daily exposure to respirable particulate matter, PM10was estimated using a Haz-dust particulate monitor. The instrument was calibrated with test-dust, and the particle size was from 0.1–50 μm, as recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PM10 criteria and thoracic region for airborne particles, as defined by the ACGIH (American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists) and the NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). Lung function of the subjects was determined using a mini peak flow meter (Aimed Clement Clarke International London, U.K.). Peak expiratory flow rate was measured in the respondents before and after cooking. The results indicated that 37.7% of the respondents used firewood, 33.1% used kerosene, 17.7% used charcoal and 11.5% used gas. Firewood users spend more time in the cooking process and stay close to the fire for longer periods of time, when compared to subjects who use other fuels. Smoke released from these fuel sources contained particulate matter up to a maximum level of 9,500 μg/m3. Charcoal users had the lowest lung function values, as compared to users of other fuels. The health effects among the respondents included difficulty in breathing, runny nose, sneezing, chest pain, chest tightness, cough, watery eyes, eye redness, irritation of the nose and throat, sweating and headache. The type of kitchen used and the place of cooking also have an impact on the health effects seen.