Open Fire Research Articles

The role of the indoor home environment in children’s self-regulation

Self-regulation is an important marker of both cognitive and socio-emotional competency. This exploratory study examined the role of the indoor home environment on two components of self-regulation: emotional dysregulation and independence. We used growth curve modelling to explore the trajectories of self-regulation among 13,774 children from the Millennium Cohort Study, followed at ages three, five and seven years. Disorganisation, quiet and calm were related to both components of self-regulation. Additionally, damp, second-hand smoke and TV noise predicted emotional dysregulation. Our other measures of the home environment (overcrowding, home traffic, presence of open fires and garden access) were unrelated to self-regulation. Our results suggest that the atmosphere and maintenance of the home may directly impact self-regulation in early and middle childhood.

Indoor air quality in rural Southwestern Uganda: particulate matter, heavy metals and carbon monoxide in kitchens using charcoal fuel in Mbarara Municipality

The use of biomass energy over open fires in sub-Saharan Africa is rampant yet it is associated with air pollution. Information on the contribution of common biomass like charcoal to indoor air pollution in Uganda is scarce; therefore, kitchen-indoor air in charcoal fueled kitchens was characterized for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), heavy metals and carbon monoxide content in Mbarara Municipality Western Uganda. PM2.5 was measured using University of California Berkeley Particle and Temperature Sensor (UCB-PATS), heavy metals were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and carbon monoxide was measured using a portable, battery-operated, data-logging Drager Pac 7000. In the kitchens assessed, the mean 24-h concentration for PM2.5 was 0.449 mg/m3 in the wet season and 0.526 mg/m3 in the dry season; CO was 41.52 ppm, and all concentrations were higher than the World Health Organization 24-h Air Quality Guideline for PM2.5 of 0.024 mg/m3 and CO of 6.340 ppm. Heavy metals in particulate matter were in concentration ranges of 1.012–9.820 μg/m3 Fe, 0.012–0.092 μg/m3 Cr, 0.060–10.750 μg/m3 Zn, 0.048–0.300 μg/m3 Cu, 0.004–0.052 μg/m3 Pb and ND—0.004 μg/m3 Cd. All mean metal concentrations were lower than recommended exposure levels by EPA although chronic exposure is a risk to health. Kitchen ventilation and size were found to significantly influence indoor pollutant levels; charcoal fuel significantly contributed to indoor air pollution and is therefore a risk factor to human health.

High bacterial and viral load in the upper respiratory tract of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

BackgroundRespiratory pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, are implicated in the pathogenicity of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI). These are also commonly found in both healthy and sick children. In this study, we describe the first data on the most frequent bacteria and viruses detected in the nasopharynx of children from the general population in the Eastern DR Congo.MethodsFrom January 2014 to June 2015, nasopharyngeal samples from 375 children aged from 2 to 60 months attending health centres for immunisation or growth monitoring were included in the study. Multiplex real-time PCR assays were used for detection of 15 different viruses and 5 bacterial species and for determination of pneumococcal serotypes/serogroups in the nasopharyngeal secretions.ResultsHigh levels of S. pneumoniae were detected in 77% of cases, and H. influenzae in 51%. Rhinovirus and enterovirus were the most commonly found viruses, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was rare (1%). Co-occurrence of both bacteria and viruses at high levels was detected in 33% of the children. The pneumococcal load was higher in those children who lived in a dwelling with an indoor kitchen area with an open fire, i.e. a kitchen with an open fire for cooking located inside the dwelling with the resultant smoke passing to the living room and/or bedrooms; this was also higher in children from rural areas as compared to children from urban areas or children not living in a dwelling with an indoor kitchen area with an open fire/not living in this type of dwelling. Immunization with 2–3 doses of PCV13 was associated with lower rates of pneumococcal detection. Half of the identified serotypes were non-PCV13 serotypes. The most common non-PCV13 serotypes/serogroups were 15BC, 10A, and 12F, while 5, 6, and 19F were the most prevalent PCV13 serotypes/serogroups.ConclusionsThe burden of respiratory pathogens including S. pneumoniae in Congolese children was high but relatively few children had RSV. Non-PCV13 serotypes/serogroups became predominant soon after PCV13 was introduced in DR Congo.

ОБЗОР КОНСТРУКЦИЙ ЛЕСОПОСАДОЧНЫХ МАШИН ДЛЯ ОТКРЫТЫХ ПЛОЩАДЕЙ И РАСЧИЩЕННЫХ ВЫРУБОК

Reforestation is the main, priority task of the modern forest complex. Natural forest regeneration has long been considered a priority. Natural regeneration, as a way of reforestation, has a number of significant drawbacks. Firstly, the natural regeneration of forests in burned areas and deforestation does not occur immediately after deforestation, but over a fairly long time ̶ reforestation period, during which various unfavorable processes ̶ soil erosion, sodding develop on an unforested area. Secondly, natural renewal quite often leads to a change of species, i.e. desired valuable breeds do not grow. As a result, the territory is overgrown with minor soft-leaved species that have low economic value. Mechanized landing, i.e. artificial reforestation, also has a number of disadvantages. Therefore, planting operations carried out under various conditions are the most labor-intensive and responsible operations. The technological process of planting seedlings and seedlings of various tree species with both open and closed root systems is presented. The analysis of existing designs of forest planting machines for open areas, fires and clearings is carried out. Deficiencies were identified that affect the quality of the planting process and reduce the survival rate of planted seedlings and seedlings.

Effectiveness of Gas and Chimney Biomass Stoves for Reducing Household Air Pollution Pregnancy Exposure in Guatemala: Sociodemographic Effect Modifiers.

Household air pollution (HAP) due to solid fuel use during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes. The real-life effectiveness of clean cooking interventions has been disappointing overall yet variable, but the sociodemographic determinants are not well described. We measured personal 24-h PM2.5 (particulate matter <2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) thrice in pregnant women (n = 218) gravimetrically with Teflon filter, impactor, and personal pump setups. To estimate the effectiveness of owning chimney and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves (i.e., proportion of PM2.5 exposure that would be prevented) and to predict subject-specific typical exposures, we used linear mixed-effects models with log (PM2.5) as dependent variable and random intercept for subject. Median (IQR) personal PM2.5 in µg/m3 was 148 (90–249) for open fire, 78 (51–125) for chimney stove, and 55 (34–79) for LPG stoves. Adjusted effectiveness of LPG stoves was greater in women with ≥6 years of education (49% (95% CI: 34, 60)) versus <6 years (26% (95% CI: 5, 42)). In contrast, chimney stove adjusted effectiveness was greater in women with <6 years of education (50% (95% CI: 38, 60)), rural residence (46% (95% CI: 34, 55)) and lowest SES (socio-economic status) quartile (59% (95% CI: 45, 70)) than ≥6 years education (16% (95% CI: 22, 43)), urban (23% (95% CI: −164, 42)) and highest SES quartile (−44% (95% CI: −183, 27)), respectively. A minority of LPG stove owners (12%) and no chimney owner had typical exposure below World Health Organization Air Quality guidelines (35 μg/m3). Although having a cleaner stove alone typically does not lower exposure enough to protect health, understanding sociodemographic determinants of effectiveness may lead to better targeting, implementation, and adoption of interventions.

Air Pollution and Climate Forcing of the Charcoal Industry in Africa.

The demand for charcoal in Africa is growing rapidly, driven by urbanization and lack of access to electricity. Charcoal production and use, including plastic burning to initiate combustion, release large quantities of trace gases and particles that impact air quality and climate. Here, we develop an inventory of current (2014) and future (2030) emissions from the charcoal supply chain in Africa that we implement in the GEOS-Chem model to quantify the contribution of charcoal to surface concentrations of PM2.5 and ozone and direct radiative forcing due to aerosols and ozone. We estimate that the charcoal industry in 2014 required 140-460 Tg of biomass and 260 tonnes of plastic and that industry emissions could double by 2030, so that methane emissions from the charcoal industry could outcompete those from open fires by 2025. In 2014, the largest enhancements in PM2.5 (0.5-1.4 μg m-3) and ozone (0.4-0.7 ppbv) occur around the densely populated cities in East and West Africa. Cooling due to aerosols (-100 to -300 mW m-2) is concentrated over dense cities, whereas warming due to ozone is widespread, peaking at 4.2 mW m-2 over the Atlantic Ocean. These effects will worsen with ongoing dependence on this energy source, spurred by rapid urbanization and absence of viable cleaner alternatives.

Analysis of potential fuel savings, economic and environmental effects of improved biomass cookstoves in rural Ethiopia

Unsustainable utilization of solid biomass fuels with inefficient traditional cookstoves has long been a major challenge to ensuring energy and environmental security in Ethiopia. Against the backdrop of this problem, several models of improved biomass cookstoves (ICSs) have been developed and distributed in the country. Yet, little is known about the effect of these ICSs on household’s fuelwood consumption and the environment. The aim of this study was to examine the potential woodfuel savings, economic and environmental effects of three ICSs (Mirt, Gonziye, and Tikikil) in rural Ethiopia from a cross-sectional study of 605 sample households and direct energy consumption measurements in four rural districts. Inferential statistics and cost-benefit analysis were used to analyse the data. The results showed that compared with the traditional open fire tripod; the use of ICSs could reduce household’s fuelwood consumptions on average by 1.72–2.08 tons per household per year. These fuelwood savings translate to potential emissions reductions of 2.82–3.43 tCO2e per stove per year. The results from the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) indicated that investment in these ICSs could provide a net economic benefit of ETB 7204 to 10,381 (US$ 265 to 382) during the 2–5 years lifespan of the stoves. The benefit-cost ratios of these ICSs were calculated between 16.5:1 and 35.0:1. The implication is that promoting the use of Mirt, Gonziye and Tikikil stoves is a viable option and an essential component of the strategy for improving the energy-efficiency and well-being of rural communities while also contributing to the sustainable utilization of biomass resources, and mitigation of climate change in Ethiopia and beyond.

Indoor particulate air pollution from open fires and the cognitive function of older people

Exposure to indoor air pollution is known to affect respiratory and cardiovascular health, but little is known about its effects on cognitive function. We measured the concentrations and magnetite content of airborne particulate matter (PM) in the indoor environment arising from burning peat, wood or coal in residential open fires. Highest indoor PM2.5 concentrations (60 μg/m3 i.e. 2.4 times the WHO-recommended 24-h mean) occurred when peat was burned, followed by burning of coal (30 μg/m3) and wood (17 μg/m3). Conversely, highest concentrations of coarser PM (PM10-2.5) were associated with coal burning (20 μg/m3), with lower concentrations emitted during burning of wood (10 μg/m3) and peat (8 μg/m3). The magnetic content of the emitted PM, greatest (for both PM size fractions) when coal was burned, is similar to that of roadside airborne PM. Exposure to PM, and to strongly magnetic airborne PM, can be greater for individuals spending ~5 h/day indoors with a coal-burning open fire for 6 months/year compared to those commuting via heavily-trafficked roads for 1 h/day for 12 months/year. Given these high indoor PM and magnetite concentrations, and the reported associations between (outdoor) PM and impaired neurological health, we used individual-level data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) to examine the association between the usage of open fires and the cognitive function of older people. Using a sample of nearly seven thousand older people, we estimated multi-variate models of the association between cognitive function and open fire usage, in order to account for relevant confounders such as socio-economic status. We found a negative association between open fire usage and cognitive function as measured by widely-used cognitive tests such as word recall and verbal fluency tests. The negative association was largest and statistically strongest among women, a finding explained by the greater exposure of women to open fires in the home because they spent more time at home than men. Our findings were also robust to stratifying the sample between old and young, rich and poor, and urban and rural.

Experimental investigation into the influence of ignition location on flame spread and heat release rates of polyurethane foam slabs

SummaryThis study presents the results from a set of 11 large‐scale open fire tests performed on flexible polyurethane foam slabs/mattresses. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of the ignition location on the fire behaviour of the foam slabs and to generate data on a highly characterised material that could be used for modelling work in the future. A method for obtaining spatially resolved flame spread data for this type of material was presented using a gridded array of 5 × 10 thermocouples placed on the underside the foam slab and from this, flame spread was examined using three different approaches. The heat release rate (HRR) results showed clear shapes forming that were dependent on the ignition location, with two distinct behaviours being observed between the various different ignition locations, this was also observed in the calculated flame spread rate (FSR) data. Results within an individual test, showed the calculated range of FSRs over the geometry of the slab varied between approximately 1 and 8 mm/s depending on the ignition location. The average FSR values between tests varied between 3 and 7 mm/s and the maximum and minimum values were calculated to be approximately 11 and 2 mm/s respectively.

Incidence of childhood burn injuries and modifiable household risk factors in rural Ghana: A cluster-randomized, population-based, household survey

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the incidence of childhood burn injuries in rural Ghana and describe modifiable household risk factors to inform prevention initiatives. MethodsWe performed a cluster-randomized, population-based survey of caregivers of children in a rural district in Ghana, representing 2713 households and 14,032 children. Caregivers were interviewed regarding childhood burn injuries within the past 6 months and household risk factors. Results357 households were sampled. Most used an open fire with biomass fuel for cooking (85.8%). Households rarely cooked in a separate kitchen (10%). Stove height was commonly within reach of children under five years (<1 m; 96.0%). The weighted annualized incidence of CBI was 63 per 1000 child-years (6.4% of children per year); reported mean age was 4.4 years (SD 4.0). The most common etiology was flame burn. Older age (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.8–1.0) and households with an older sibling ≥12 years (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.3–1.3) seemed to be associated with lower odds of CBI. ConclusionsChildhood burn injury is common in rural Ghana. Opportunities exist to reduce the risk of childhood burn injury childhood burns in rural settings by supporting the transition to safer cooking arrangements, child barrier apparatuses in homes without older children, and/or development of formal childcare programs.

Application of Satellite Remote Sensing in Monitoring Elevated Internal Temperatures of Landfills

Subsurface fires and smoldering events at landfills can present serious health hazards and threats to the environment. These fires are much more costly and difficult to extinguish than open fires at the landfill surface. The initiation of a subsurface fire may go unnoticed for a long period of time and undetected fires may spread over a large area. Unfortunately, not all landfill operators keep or publish heat elevation data and many landfills are not equipped with a landfill gas extraction system to control subsurface temperatures generated from the chemical reactions within. The timely and cost-effective identification of subsurface fires is an important and pressing issue. In this work, we describe a method for using satellite thermal infrared imagery at a moderate spatial resolution to identify the locations of subsurface fires and monitor their migration within landfills. The focus of this study was the Bridgeton Sanitary Landfill in Bridgeton, MO, USA where a subsurface fire was first identified in 2010 and continues to burn today. Observations from Landsat satellites over the last seventeen years were examined for surface temperature anomalies (or hot spots) that may be associated with subsurface fires. The results showed that the locations of hot spots identified in satellite imagery match the known locations of the subsurface fires. Changes in the hot-spot locations with time, as determined by in situ measurements, correspond to the spreading routes of the subsurface fires. These results indicate that the proposed approach based on satellite observations can be used as a tool for the identification of landfill subsurface fires by landfill owners/operators to monitor landfills and minimize the expenses associated with extinguishing landfill fires.

A review of persistent organic pollutants: dioxins, furans, and their associated nitrogenated analogues

Dioxins and furans are no doubt the most notorious class of organochlorine toxicants in the environmental system whose adverse effects are detrimental to public health with extreme negative economic impacts. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans and dioxin-like compounds such as the polychlorinated biphenyls, carbazoles are in the class of persistent organic pollutants—prioritized under the Stockholm convention as the “dirty dozens”, besides being listed as group 1 human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Because of their recalcitrant nature in the environment, bioaccumulation in lipids of cells of animals and their general toxicities, this family of compounds has received increased scientific interest in pollution and toxicology research. Accumulation of these toxicants in lipids of animals, and human exposure has been traced to animal products such as meat, eggs, milk and fish. Combustion events, industrial and municipal waste incineration practices, open fires and some industrial activities especially those dealing with metallurgy are well-established sources of these environmental contaminants. The critical aspects of dioxins, furans and their analogues; notably their sources their mechanistic formation by precursor initiation, de novo pathways, how they manifest their toxicity by activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor, detoxification of these chemicals from the environment and the analytical methods used to quantify and detect from environmental sample matrices has been explored in this work. This review also provides an in-depth examination of the toxic characteristic behaviour of dioxins and furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as the emerging nitrogenated analogues of dioxins such as polychlorinated carbazole, and carbazole itself.

Characterization of the key odorants in grilled mutton shashlik with or without suet brushing during grilling

AbstractGrilled mutton shashlik is highly preferred by Chinese consumers. In this study, the key odorants in grilled mutton shashlik prepared in the traditional Chinese way under open carbon fire with or without suet (mutton fat) brushing during grilling were identified. Solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE), combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O), quantitation, recovery factor correction, and aroma recombination and omission were performed. In total, 57 odorants were identified, which predominantly included aliphatic aldehydes, sulphur‐containing compounds and pyrazines. In comparison, the suet‐brushed mutton shashlik had stronger fatty and sheep‐like odours due to higher levels of odorants generated via lipid degradation. However, the key odorants in both mutton shashlik with or without suet brushing during grilling were identified to be 3‐(methylthio)propanal, 2‐methyl‐3‐furanthiol, 2‐acetylthiazole, 2‐furfurylthiol, bis(2‐methyl‐3‐furyl)disulphide, 2‐acetylpyrazine, 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2‐ethyl‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)furanone, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, (E)‐2‐octenal, (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienal, octanal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, nonanal, 4‐methyloctanoic acid and 4‐methylphenol. Notably, (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, which usually contributes significantly to cooked meat aroma, was excluded as a key odorant here. The results can help understand effect of fat on meat flavour and provide guidance for preparation of processed meat flavourings with the preferred flavour of grilled mutton shashlik.

A chemical kinetic model for the decomposition of perfluorinated sulfonic acids

Perfluorinated sulfonic acids (such as perfluorooctanesulfonic, PFOS, and short-chain analogues) are notorious halogenated pollutants that exhibit severe toxicity, even at minute levels. Limited number of experimental studies addressed their thermal decomposition at elevated temperatures. Such scenarios are particularly relevant to open fires and incineration of materials laden with perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs). Herein, we construct a detail kinetic model that illustrates major chemical reactions underpinning initial degradation of 1-butanesulfonic acid (CF3(CF2)3SO2OH), as a model compound of PFOS, and perfluorinated sulfonic acids in general. Reaction rate parameters were estimated based on an accurate density functional theory (DFT) formalism. The kinetic model incorporates four sets of reactions, namely, unimolecular decomposition channels, hydrofluorination, hydrolysis, and fragmentation of the alkyl chain. Results are discussed considering recent experimental measurements. Temperature-dependent profiles for a large array of perfluoroalkyl acyl fluorides, short perfluorinated cuts, and perfluorinated cyclic compounds, are presented. SO2 emerges as the main sulfur carrier, with a minor contribution from SO3. HF addition to double carbon bonds in alkenes, and to carbonyl bonds in aldehydic structures signifies a major sink pathway for hydrogen fluoride. Addition of moisture was shown to expedite the destruction of relatively large perfluoroalkyl acyl fluorides into C1 species. Construction of this model could aid in a better understanding of the fate and chemical transformation of PFCs under a pyrolytic environment pertinent to waste incineration and fluorine mineralization.

An Agent-Based Model for Adoption of Clean Technology Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract Technology adoption in low-income regions is among the key challenges facing international development projects. Nearly 40% of the world's population relies on open fires and rudimentary cooking devices exacerbating health outcomes, deforestation, and climatic impacts of inefficient biomass burning. Clean technology alternatives such as clean cookstoves are among the most challenging technologies to approach their target goals through sustainable adoption due to a lack of systematic market-driven design for adoption. Thus, a method is needed to provide insight regarding how target customers evaluate and perceive causes for adopting a clean technology. The holistic approach of this study captures technology adoption through lenses of social networks, individual and society scale beliefs, and rational decision-making behavior. Based on the data collected in the Apac region in Northern Uganda, an agent-based model is developed to simulate emerging adoption behavior in a community. Then, four different scenarios investigate how adoption patterns change due to the potential changes in technology or intervention strategy. These scenarios include influence of stove malfunctions, price elasticity, information campaigns, and strength of a social network. Results suggest that higher adoption rates are achievable if designed technologies are more durable, information campaigns provide realistic expectations for users, policymakers, and education programs work toward women's empowerment, and communal social ties are recognized for influence maximization. The application of this study provides insight for technology designers, project implementers, and policymakers to update their practices for achieving sustainable and to the scale clean technology adoption rates.

Low-cost interventions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in open wood fires in rural communities

In this study, we use water boiling tests (WBTs), controlled cooking tests (CCTs) and in-home kitchen performance tests (KPTs) to analyze changes in fuel consumption and emissions resulting from low-cost modifications to traditional open fires. The modifications consist of adding rock-beds, ceramic grates or metal grates to open fires. In both traditional and modified stoves, cooking pots are supported over the fire using iron bars, which is a common practice in rural Vietnamese households. The modifications increase airflow through the combustion zone and improve combustion efficiency. The rocks and grate also decrease the distance between the fire and cooking pot, improving heat transfer. These low-cost modifications improve stove performance in many categories: 38–58% reduction in wood consumption and 51–84% reduction in emissions measured in WBTs; 34–37% reduction in wood consumption during simulated cooking with CCTs; and 31–45% reductions in per capita wood consumption measured during KPTs. Grates performed better than rock-beds in nearly all tests. Surveys implemented in parallel with KPTs indicated favorable user perceptions of all low-cost options. The modifications result in lower fuelwood consumption and emissions, resulting in social and environmental benefits, but they are unlikely reduce health impacts, which many policies and programs now prioritize. Nevertheless, there are numerous situations in which these options may be appropriate. In remote, rural or otherwise marginalized communities, clean cooking options may be inaccessible for the foreseeable future. Low-cost modifications like rock beds and grates, which require minimal training and changes in cooking habits, could reduce the impacts of open fires. Similarly, in places where clean cooking options are accessible, but stove “stacking” with open fires persists, these options could present a cost-effective way to achieve a “cleaner stack”.

Controlling Mechanism of Rock Burst by CO2 Fracturing Blasting Based on Rock Burst System

Rock burst induced by mining is one of the most serious dynamic disasters in the process of coal mining. The mechanism of a rock burst is similar to that of a natural earthquake. It is difficult to accurately predict the “time, space, and strength” of rock burst, but the possibility of rock burst can be predicted based on the results of microseismic monitoring. In this paper, the rock burst system under the tectonic stress field is established based on the practice of coal mining and the result of mine ground crustal stress measurement. According to the magnitude of microseismic monitoring, the amount of the energy and spatial position of the rock burst are determined. Based on the theory of explosion mechanics, aiming at the prevention and control of rock burst in the coal mine, the technique of liquid CO2 fracturing blasting is put forward. By the experiment of blasting mechanics, the blasting parameters are determined, and the controlling mechanism of rock burst of liquid CO2 fracturing blasting is revealed. The application of liquid CO2 fissure blasting technology in the prevention and control of rock burst in Jixian Coal Mine shows that CO2 fracturing blasting reduces the stress concentration of the rock burst system and transfers energy to the deeper part, and there is no open fire in the blasting. It is a new, safe, and efficient method to prevent and control rock burst, which can be applied widely.

Adoption and impact of improved cookstoves in Lambayeque, Peru, 2017.

Approximately three billion people in Asia, Africa, and the Americas cook with biomass, cleaner cooking technologies with the potential to reduce household air pollution exposure. It is necessary to assess the adoption and long-term use of these stoves, measure perceived benefits among users, and use this information to provide feedback to programs that are implementing new cooking technologies. The aim of this study is to determine the level of adoption and impact of improved biomass cookstoves in the rural area of Lambayeque, Peru, in 2017. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 52 homes were surveyed in the districts of Pacora and Íllimo where improved biomass stoves were introduced between 2005 and 2013. A questionnaire for the assessment of adoption and impact indexes proposed by the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves was applied. The STROBE checklist was used. The mean number of years with the improved biomass cookstove was 9.1 (standard deviation: 2.9); 51.9% always used the improved stove, and 34.6% never used it due to destruction during the El Niño phenomenon in 2017. The median impact index was 5.62; 19.2% had a very good/good adoption. The median adoption index was 6.5; 25% had a very high/high impact. The use of the traditional or open fire biomass stove persisted in 61.5% of the houses. The adoption and impact of improved biomass cookstoves were acceptable, but traditional stove use persisted in more than half of the houses. Households used a mix of different stove technologies. Gas stoves were used more frequently for breakfast or dinner, while the traditional biomass stoves were used for larger lunchtime meals.

Improving handwashing habits and household air quality in Africa after COVID-19

Improving handwashing habits and household air quality in Africa after COVID-19

Women's experiences with mixed use of wood and gas cookstoves and fuels in rural Lambayeque, Peru

Introduction: Despite program efforts to encourage use of clean cookstoves and fuels to mitigate climate change, many communities continue to use wood-fueled open fires. Objectives: Describe experiences of participants with mixed use of cooking and fuel technologies (e.g. open fires and chimney stoves using wood and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves) in rural Lambayeque, Peru in 2018. Material and methods: Fifteen participants were interviewed using a qualitative exploratory research design. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Four categories emerged: decisions about acquiring cooking fuels are primarily based on cost; plastic trash is used to light wood-burning stoves; decisions to use gas over wood are based on quick food cooking time; and benefits and health problems are recognized, but mixed use of fuels persist. Conclusion: Use of both traditional wood cookstoves and plastic trash to ignite fires were used frequently because both are free or cheap. The environmental impact of cutting down trees isn't considered important, but interviewees did notice detriments to their wellbeing. Although gas stoves are used and benefits were mentioned, use of traditional stoves persists. We recommend that policy makers in Peru begin to address barriers to full adoption of new clean cooking technologies and consider governmental subsidies to meet families' spending priorities.