Use Of Solid Fuels Research Articles

Unclean but affordable solid fuels effectively sustained household energy equity.

Extensive use of traditional solid fuels necessitates a clean transition to modern energy, yet rising costs hinder equitable progress, presenting a challenge that remains underexplored. Here we quantify household energy inequities in China and evaluate shifts during the cooking and heating transition by compiling data from nationwide questionnaire surveys and statistic datasets. We find that by meeting 42.6% of household energy needs at low costs, solid fuels sustain equitable energy consumption across different income groups, being measured by the Concentration Index (CI). However, energy burden inequity remains substantially with the CI value increases by up to 43% during the transition, particularly when moving away from biomass for cooking. Switching to electric heating with natural gas cooking would limit such increases by only 15.5%. The study underscores the negative equity impacts of solid fuel cessation, advocating for phased transitions and targeted subsidies to ensure a just clean energy transition.

The Association Between Solid Fuel Use and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Sichuan, China: Cross-Sectional Study.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a global age-related disease. It has been reported that over half of the Chinese male population aged 70 years or older are experiencing BPH. Solid fuel, which is the major source of household air pollution, has been reportedly associated with several adverse events, including sex hormone disorders. Due to the certain relationship between sex hormone levels and prostate disease, the relationship between solid fuel use and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) suggestive of BPH (LUTS/BPH) deserves further exploration. This study mainly aimed to investigate the association between solid fuel use and LUTS/BPH. The data used in this study were obtained from the West China Natural Population Cohort Study. Household energy sources were assessed using questionnaires. LUTS/BPH was evaluated based on participant self-reports. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce the influence of bias and unmeasured confounders. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI of LUTS/BPH for the solid fuel group compared with the clean fuel group were calculated. We also conducted stratified analyses based on BMI, metabolic syndrome, waist to hip ratio, drinking status, smoking status, and age. A total of 5463 participants were included in this study, including 399 solid fuel users and 5064 clean fuel users. After PSM, the solid fuel group included 354 participants, while the clean fuel group included 701 participants. Solid fuel use was positively correlated with LUTS/BPH before and after PSM (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.31-2.15 and OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.35-2.44, respectively). In stratified analyses, the OR of the nonsmoking group was higher than that of the smoking group (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.56-4.20 and OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.99-2.18, respectively). Similarly, the OR of the nondrinking group was higher than that of the drinking group (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.46-4.99 and OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01-2.17, respectively). A positive correlation between solid fuel use and LUTS/BPH was observed. The results suggest that improving fuel structure for household cooking and other household needs can possibly help reduce the risk of LUTS/BPH.

Effects of household solid fuel use on sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from a nationwide cohort study.

Household solid fuel use is common in global households and has been linked to changes in handgrip strength and muscle mass. However, whether household solid fuel use results in sarcopenia over time is not well elaborated. This study employed data from the 2011-2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) that recruited 4,932 participants ≥45 years. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was conducted to estimate the impact of household solid fuel use for cooking and heating on sarcopenia development. The analysis was further stratified based on geographic position. Mediation analysis was employed to estimate the potential mediating effects of cognitive function and depressive symptoms associated with household solid fuel use and sarcopenia. Over the 4-year follow-up, 476 cases of sarcopenia were reported (9.65%), with 254 in males (10.82%) and 222 in females (8.59%). Cooking and heating with solid fuels increased the risk of sarcopenia (Cooking: HR 1.401, 95% CI 1.138-1.724; Heating: HR 1.278, 95% CI 1.040-1.571). Crop residue/wood burning correlated with higher sarcopenia risk (Cooking: 1.420, 95% CI 1.147-1.758; Heating: 1.318, 95% CI 1.062-1.635). Switching to clean cooking fuels significantly reduced sarcopenia risk (HR 0.766, 95% CI 0.599-0.979). Heating with solid fuels was associated with higher sarcopenia risk only in southern China (HR 1.375, 95% CI 1.102-1.715). Additionally, cognitive function and depressive symptoms partially mediated the link between household solid fuel use and sarcopenia. Household use of solid fuels is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia. Restricting the use of solid fuels and focusing on cognitive function and depressive symptoms in solid fuel users can help decrease sarcopenia development.

APPRAISAL OF ACCESS TO CLEAN FUELS BY FOOD VENDORS IN ILARO, YEWA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The extensive use of solid fuels in food preparation such as firewood and charcoal presents problems for the environment, human health, and the economy. In Nigeria, more than 175 million people rely on traditional biomass for daily cooking. While significant research has been done on access to clean cooking fuels among households, particularly households in rural areas, there is a gap in the study of access to clean fuels among food vendors in developing countries, including Nigeria. This study explores factors influencing access to clean cooking fuel among food vendors in Nigeria. The study adopts a cross-sectional survey design, a pretested questionnaire was administered to all the registered food vendors in the study area. The results show that a significant number of the food vendors in the study area use solid fuels such as firewood and coal. Probit regression result indicates that education and income are significant factors that increase predicted probability of the use of clean fuel among food vendors. Empirical findings also show that financial constraints, availability and distribution of clean fuel, technical issues, and lack of information on the importance of clean fuel usage are some of the attention-seeking challenges inhibiting the adoption of clean cooking fuels among food vendors. Thus, the study suggests the need for integrated strategies that aim at increasing awareness of the benefits of adopting clean cooking fuels among food vendors, improving the affordability of clean cooking fuels, and providing technical assistance for transitioning into clean cooking fuels. KEYWORDS: Cooking Fuels, Food Vendors, Clean Energy Nigeria

Energy poverty and household development resilience: Household level evidence from China

Energy poverty is a significant challenge facing sustainable human development and a key constraining factor for household development. Based on theoretical analysis, this study utilizes data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) conducted from 2012 to 2020 to analyze the impact of energy poverty on household development resilience and explore its underlying mechanisms through the Bootstrap method. The findings reveal the following: Firstly, energy poverty significantly reduces household development resilience, and this conclusion remains robust after addressing endogeneity issues and conducting a series of robustness tests. Secondly, energy poverty restricts household development by compromising health, educational levels, and internet access. Thirdly, the constraining effect of energy poverty on household development resilience exhibits heterogeneity, with a stronger impact in urban areas than rural areas and in eastern regions than central and western regions. Fourthly, further analysis suggests that the use of solid fuels significantly reduces household development resilience, whereas the utilization of clean energy facilitates the enhancement of household development resilience. This study provides important policy implications for addressing energy poverty and promoting long-term household development, serving as a reference for other developing countries.

Energy consumption, structural transformation and related carbon dioxide emissions of rural households on the Tibetan plateau

The use of solid fuels presents a dual challenge for rural household energy systems: transitioning to cleaner energy sources while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Particularly in the Tibetan Plateau (TP), which is highly sensitive to global climate change, addressing rural household energy consumption, structural changes, and related CO2 emissions is crucial for implementing targeted measures. Based on household-level survey data, this study analyzes the quantitative and structural changes in energy consumption patterns among rural households on the TP from 2001 to 2021, as well as their related CO2 emissions. The results indicate that: (1) Yak dung is the primary fuel for rural households on the TP and a major contributor to direct household emissions. (2) While cooking has shifted considerably towards a modern clean energy structure, heating continues to rely on solid fuels such as firewood, yak dung, and coal. (3) Commercial energy used by high-income groups for agriculture, transportation, and other purposes has resulted in an overall increase in total household energy consumption and related CO2 emissions. Policymakers must implement more effective measures to accelerate the transition to cleaner, modern energy sources for heating and cooking purposes.

Analytical study on improving the efficiency and environmental friendliness of solid organic fuels

The purpose of this study was to analyse methods of increasing the efficiency and environmental friendliness of the use of solid organic fuels (SOF) in electricity generation. This study employed a comprehensive approach to the analysis and optimisation of technological processes, operational systems, and environmental aspects of the use of SOF. The study found that the use of modern technologies, such as gasification and pyrolysis, considerably increases the efficiency of converting SOF into electricity. Optimisation of boiler and turbine designs and automation of fuel supply systems helps to reduce energy losses and improve overall system efficiency. It was found that the use of new materials for boilers increases their resistance to corrosion and erosion, which extends the service life of the equipment. The study also showed that the introduction of gas cleaning and secondary combustion systems significantly reduces emissions of harmful substances, which improves environmental performance. An analysis of ash utilisation opportunities showed that its use as a fertiliser or construction material is a promising area. The study proved that an integrated approach to the use of SOF can substantially increase their efficiency and environmental friendliness. The findings of the study suggest that the use of innovative methods of combustion process control allows achieving more stable and efficient power generation. It was proved that the introduction of automated monitoring and control systems reduces operating costs and increases the reliability of equipment. The study also found that the use of advanced analytical tools to predict equipment wear and tear allows for prompt preventive maintenance, which further increases the efficiency and duration of uninterrupted operation of energy systems

Solid fuel use and low birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Solid fuel use is increasingly linked to low birth weight (LBW), but conclusions were inconsistent. We aimed to summarize the association between solid fuel use and LBW. Twenty-one studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified through PubMed, Qvid Medline, and Web of Science databases. The final search occurred on March 20, 2024. Summary relative effect and 95 % confidence intervals were estimated with a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate possible sources of heterogeneity and to test the stability of the results. Nineteen studies evaluated the association between solid fuel use in pregnant woman and LBW (1.188 for solid fuels: 1.055 to 1.322). No significant heterogeneity was identified among the included studies (p=0.010, Tau2=0.02, I2=48.1 %). Subgroup analysis found positive correlations for Asia, data years prior to 2014, and rural studies (1.245 for Asia: 1.077 to 1.412; Tau2=0.03, I2=56.0 %; 1.243 for data years prior to 2014: 1.062 to 1.424; Tau2=0.04, I2=60.98 %; 1.514 for rural: 1.258 to 1.771; Tau2=0.00, I2=0.0 %). Our meta-analysis showed that solid fuel use in pregnant women had an impact on LBW. Measures and policies are also needed to promote energy conversion and to limit and reduce the use of solid fuels.

Assessing the health consequences of indoor air pollution from biomass fuel combustion on pediatric populations in rural communities of Pakistan

ABSTRACT Indoor air pollution arising from burning of biomass fuels poses a significant threat to child health in rural areas of Pakistan. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess health implications associated with indoor air pollution resulting from biomass burning among children under 12 years of age in rural Punjab. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in six randomly selected rural districts of Punjab, characterized by their primary reliance on biomass fuels. The findings revealed that several characteristics, such as monthly household income, number of living rooms, secondary use of solid fuels, kitchen type, type of cooking stove, and presence of child in the kitchen with their mother, exhibited significant associations (p < 0.05) with negative health impacts among children. Reported health effects among the children included coughing (18.7%), watery eyes (17.7%), eye irritation (12.3%), runny nose (11.8%), breathing difficulties (8.5%), phlegm (38%), headache (25%), nausea (20.1%), dizziness (6.7%), asthma (6.4%), tuberculosis (1.8%), and pneumonia (1.5%).

Machine Learning Techniques for Spatio-Temporal Air Pollution Prediction to Drive Sustainable Urban Development in the Era of Energy and Data Transformation

Sustainable urban development in the era of energy and digital transformation is crucial from a societal perspective. Utilizing modern techniques for analyzing large datasets, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, enables a deeper understanding of historical data and the efficient prediction of future events based on data from IoT sensors. This study conducted a multidimensional historical analysis of air pollution to investigate the impacts of energy transformation and environmental policy and to determine the long-term environmental implications of certain actions. Additionally, machine learning (ML) techniques were employed for air pollution prediction, taking spatial factors into account. By utilizing multiple low-cost air sensors categorized as IoT devices, this study incorporated data from various locations and assessed the influence of neighboring sensors on predictions. Different ML approaches were analyzed, including regression models, deep neural networks, and ensemble learning. The possibility of implementing such predictions in publicly accessible IT mobile systems was explored. The research was conducted in Krakow, Poland, a UNESCO-listed city that has had long struggle with air pollution. Krakow is also at the forefront of implementing policies to prohibit the use of solid fuels for heating and establishing clean transport zones. The research showed that population growth within the city does not have a negative impact on PMx concentrations, and transitioning from coal-based to sustainable energy sources emerges as the primary factor in improving air quality, especially for PMx, while the impact of transportation remains less relevant. The best results for predicting rare smog events can be achieved using linear ML models. Implementing actions based on this research can significantly contribute to building a smart city that takes into account the impact of air pollution on quality of life.

Effects of different sizes of ambient particulate matter and household fuel use on physical function: National cohort study in China

BackgroundImpact of outdoor and household air pollution on physical function remains unelucidated. This study examined the influence of various ambient particulate sizes (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) and household fuel usage on physical function. MethodsData from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) spanning 2011 and 2015 were utilized. The physical functional score was computed by summing scores from four tests: grip strength, gait speed, chair stand test, and balance. Multivariate linear and linear mixed-effects models were used to explore the separate and combined effects of PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and household fuel use on physical function in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively, and to further observe the effects of fuel cleanup on physical function in the context of air pollution exposure. ResultsBoth cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses revealed negative correlations between PM1 (β = −0.044; 95% CI: −0.084, −0.004), PM2.5 (β = −0.024; 95% CI: −0.046, −0.001), PM10 (β = −0.041; 95% CI: −0.054, −0.029), and physical function, with a more pronounced impact observed for fine particulate matter (PM1). Cleaner fuel use was associated with enhanced physical function compared to solid fuels (β = 0.143; 95% CI: 0.070, 0.216). The presence of air pollutants and use of solid fuels had a negative impact on physical function, while cleaner fuel usage mitigated the adverse effects of air pollutants, particularly in areas with high exposure. ConclusionThis study underscores the singular and combined detrimental effects of air pollutants and solid fuel usage on physical function. Addressing fine particulate matter, specifically PM1, and prioritizing efforts to improve household fuel cleanliness in regions with elevated air pollution levels are crucial for preventing physical disability.

IJCM_333A: Household Air Pollution Exposure and Autism Spectrum Disorder Outcomes in Children: Insights from the HAPIN India Study

Background: The global public health challenge of household air pollution, stemming from conventional cooking practices and the widespread use of solid fuels, is a critical concern. Exposure to indoor air pollutants has been associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like pregnant women and young children. The Household Air Pollution and Neurodevelopment (HAPIN) study addresses this issue through a multicentric randomized controlled trial spanning four diverse countries: Guatemala, India, Peru, and Rwanda. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder among children residing in HAPIN study site of India. Methodology: A cross-sectional assessment for autism spectrum disorders within the HAPIN cohort was done.365 children aged 2 to 3 years were studied to explore the potential link between household air pollution and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Household air quality, measuring PM2.5, CO, and black carbon, was assessed using established protocols. Neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly ASD, was screened using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in children aged 2 to 3 years, and screened positive children were evaluated by a psychiatrist to diagnose autism spectrum disorder using DSM-5 criteria. Results: There is significant association between exposure to air pollutants (PM2.5, CO, and black carbon) and the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a prevalence rate of 5.48%. Conclusion: ASD prevalence rate of 5.48%, underscore the global relevance of the impact of household air pollution on neurodevelopment. Urgent interventions are warranted to mitigate the risk of ASD, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and young children, emphasizing the imperative for cleaner cooking practices and improved indoor air quality.

Health benefits to the pediatric population from reduction of ambient particulate matter in Krakow, Poland

There have been few assessments of the health benefits to children of policies aimed at curbing fossil fuel-related air pollution. This has resulted in a lack of awareness regarding their positive impact on the health of this vulnerable population. We estimated the pediatric health benefits of policies targeting coal burning in one of Europe’s most polluted cities, Kraków, Poland. We combined available data on child health outcomes, related concentration-response functions, childhood population counts, and concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 based on city-wide air monitoring in Kraków. Two exposure reduction scenarios were examined. First, we used the observed decrease in air pollutant concentrations between 2010 and 2019. Second, we hypothesized a reduction to the annual World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline values issued in 2005. Between 2010 and 2019, the mean annual air pollution levels in Kraków decreased for both PM2.5 and PM10. Annual average PM2.5 concentrations declined by 39.1%, reaching 23.3 μg m−3; PM10 dropped by 39.2% to 34.6 μg m−3. These reductions in air pollution can be linked to numerous actions undertaken at local and national levels. We estimate that the forgone benefits in 2010 from not having achieved the PM levels observed in 2019 (on an annual basis) included: 505 (35.7%) fewer incident cases of asthma in the 1–14 age group, 81 fewer preterm births (16.8% decrease), 52 fewer cases of low birth weight (12.3% decrease), and 59 avoided asthma hospitalizations in 0–18 year olds. Compliance with the 2005 WHO PM2.5 guidelines in 2010 would have avoided 780 incident asthma cases in the 1–14 age group (54.5% decrease), 138 preterm births (28.3% decrease), and 90 cases of low birth weight (21.2% reduction) and 219 (54.2%) fewer asthma hospitalizations in 0–18 year olds. Large health benefits were also estimated for PM10 in both scenarios. This study estimated substantial health benefits for children in Kraków, which were largely attributable to clean air policies that restrict the use of coal and other solid fuels. Kraków provides a model for other cities in Europe and beyond that are affected by coal pollution and have high rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and respiratory illness.

Long-term (1993–2018) particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration trend in the atmosphere of Seoul: Changes in major sources and health effects

This study assessed the long-term concentration trend and profiles of twelve polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occurring as airborne particulate matter in Seoul, Republic of Korea (Korea) between 1993 and 2018 to evaluate the human health effect and the effectiveness of air quality management policies. Total PAHs (∑PAHs of 12 compounds), benzo [a]pyrene (BaP), and BaP toxic equivalent (BaPTEQ) concentrations increased from 1993 to 1999 but decreased thereafter. Moreover, the BaP concentration has remained below 1 ng/m3 since 2010–2011. Benzo [b+k]fluoranthene (B [b+k]F) accounted for the largest ∑PAHs fraction (approximately 24%) for the entire period. Based on the PAH profiles, as well as the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results and diagnostic ratio analysis, vehicular emissions and coal combustion were identified as major sources of the PAHs in Seoul. Additionally, contribution of vehicular emissions increased from 2002 to 2003 to 2018, whereas that of solid fuel combustion decreased in the same period. PAH levels increased 8-fold in winter compared to summer mainly due to increases in local and regional emissions. The implementation of policies to regulate the use of solid fuels and vehicular emissions in Korea effectively reduced Elemental Carbon (EC) and PAH emissions, as demonstrated by CO, EC, and PAHs reductions and a good correlation between EC and PAHs. Moreover, aggressive air quality management policies in China have also contributed to decreasing PAH concentration trend in Seoul. Following the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) estimations method for 8 different population groups, males in the 0–1 age group was the only group still at potential risk of PAH inhalation in 2018, while other groups have been in the acceptable risk since 2012–2013.

The effect of clean cooking on the social participation of middle-aged and older adults in China: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundIndoor air pollution stemming from the use of solid fuels, such as biomass and coal, is a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries. Understanding the connection between indoor air quality and social participation is essential for crafting effective interventions and enhancing the well-being of these populations. This study aims to investigate the influence of indoor air pollution on social participation among middle-aged and olderly individuals in China. MethodsThis study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), encompassing 17,711 samples, to investigate the link between cooking fuel type and social participation. Survival analysis Cox regression was used, complemented by logistic regression for supplementary analyses. FindingsUpon accounting for confounding factors, the analysis revealed that individuals who consistently used clean fuels and those who switched to clean fuels exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of increased social participation compared to those using solid fuels. The hazard ratios were 1.31 (95 % CI: 1.19–1.44) and 1.39 (95 % CI: 1.28–1.51), respectively. These findings remained consistent across various regression models and showed no signs of population heterogeneity. Furthermore, this study found that in the investigation of mediating effects, chronic disease did not demonstrate any mediating effect on social participation. However, the mediating effects of depression level and IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) were significant, accounting for 1.82 % and 7.35 % of the impact of clean cooking on social participation, respectively. InterpretationThis study provides compelling evidence that adopting clean cooking practices positively influences social participation among middle-aged and older individuals in China. We recommend that governments, communities, and individuals prioritize measures to enhance indoor air quality.

Impact of indoor Air Pollution on the Linear growth of children in Jimma, Ethiopia

BackgroundStunting in children is the term for reduced linear growth and development, which is frequently brought on by a persistently inadequate diet, recurrent infections and chronic diseases or poor health conditions. Apart from the classic covariates of stunting, which include diet and illness, the relative contribution of household air pollution to chronic nutrition conditions is least studied. Hence, this study is conducted to investigate the impact of household air pollution on the linear growth of under-five children in Jimma town, Ethiopia.MethodsA prospective cohort study was employed to collect data from 280 under-five children who lived in households using solid fuel (exposed group, n = 140) and clean fuel (unexposed group, n = 140). Height-for-age Z scores were compared in both groups over a 12-month follow-up period. The difference in differences estimators were used for comparison of changes in the height-for-age Z scores from baseline to end line in exposed and non-exposed groups. The independent effect of the use of solid fuels on height-for-age Z scores was analyzed through a multivariable linear regression model. Statistical Significances were declared at P < 0.05 and 95% CI level.ResultsIn an unadjusted model (Model 1), compared with the clean fuel type, the mean difference in the height-for-age Z score of children in households using solid fuel was lower by 0.54 (-0.54, 95% CI -0.97, -0.12, P = 0.011). The beta coefficient remained negative after adjusting for age and sex (Model 2 -0.543, 95% CI -1.373, -0.563) and sociodemographic variables (Model 3: -0.543, 95% CI -1.362, -0.575). In the final model (Model 4), which adjusted for wealth quantile, dietary practice, water, sanitation and hygiene status and household food insecurity access scale, the beta coefficient held the same and significant (beta: -0.543, 95% CI -1.357, -0.579, P < 0.001). Higher HAZ scores were observed among female child (β: = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.69), Child with father attended higher education (β: = 0.304 95%CI: 0.304, 95% CI 0.19, 0.41) as compared to male gender and those who did not attend a formal education, respectively. In contrast, child living in households with poor hygiene practices had lower HAZ score (β: -0.226, 95% CI: -0.449, -0.003), P < 0.001.ConclusionsExposure to indoor air pollution was inversely related to linear growth. Furthermore, sex, educational status and hygiene were found relevant predictors of linear growth. In such a setting, there is a need to step up efforts to design and implement public education campaigns regarding the health risks associated with exposure to household air pollution. Promoting improvements to kitchen ventilation and the use of improved cooking stoves, which will help to mitigate the detrimental effects of indoor air pollution on child growth impairment and its long-term effects.

Technology for Producing Heat From Composite Coal Fuels in Advanced Oven for Municipal and Household Use

The problem of rational use of coal remains relevant; currently, various technologies have been developed for producing composite solid fuels, briquettes with various binding materials from brown coal deposits in Kyrgyzstan. The widespread use of composite solid fuels (CSF) and coal briquettes in industry, everyday life and public utilities, in our opinion, is limited by two reasons: excessively inflated requirements of existing standards for the physical and mechanical characteristics of briquettes as a product; poor knowledge of optimal conditions for burning briquettes. Our research shows that compressive strength in the range of 15-20 kgf/cm2 provides the necessary strength for the degree of abrasion during transportation and storage of large-sized rectangular CSFs. Reducing the strength requirement to the value indicated above makes it possible to form briquettes from unsorted culm. Among the numerous known binders for briquetting, inorganic types of clays and loams, which are ubiquitous, deserve special attention. It has been established that clays and loams provide the strength of the CSF over 20 kgf/cm2. For the purpose of beneficial use of low-grade fine coal, we carried out briquetting and combustion testing of the resulting briquettes. It has been established that when briquetting coals from the Zhatan and Kumbel deposits with a clay binder, with an increase in the content of fine coals in the composition, the burning time of the briquette increases, as well as the combustion of the combustible mass increases, and the temperature in the combustion space increases. It has been shown that with the help of appropriate minor modifications of standard household stoves it is possible to significantly increase the combustion efficiency of all types of low-grade fuel, including lignite high-ash CSF.

Household use of solid fuel and sarcopenia among middle-aged and older adults: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

ObjectiveFew studies have examined the effects of air pollution on the risk of sarcopenia, especially pollution in indoor settings. We explored the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of household use of solid fuel for cooking and heating, separately and simultaneously, with risk of sarcopenia. MethodsCross-sectional and follow-up data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were used. Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear models and Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to estimate the odds ratio and hazard ratio for sarcopenia, respectively. Results11,494 (median age: 57.0 years; 47.4 % males) and 7483 (median age: 57.0 years; 46.9 % males) participants were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal study, respectively. After fully adjusting for covariates, including outdoor concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5), both the use of solid fuels for cooking and use for heating were positively associated with incident sarcopenia in the longitudinal analyses, with hazard ratios (95 % confidence interval) of 1.56 (1.28–1.89) and 1.26 (1.04–1.52), respectively. Moreover, significant multiplicative and/or additive interactions were observed between age, smoking and cooking with solid fuel and risk of sarcopenia (all P for interaction <0.05). Similar results were found in the cross-sectional analyses. ConclusionsHousehold use of solid fuel was significantly associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia, while ageing and smoking had synergetic effects with burning solid fuels on the risk of sarcopenia. Our results highlight the importance of taking multi-pronged measures with respect to both air pollution and healthy lifestyle to prevent sarcopenia and promote healthy ageing.

Rate and Change in Household Solid Fuels Usage Among Residents Aged 40 and Older - China, from 2014-2015 to 2019-2020.

Solid fuel combustion is a significant source of household air pollution and an important risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study presents the rates and change in the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating in China. Based on data from the Chinese Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Surveillance, the research estimated the rates and change of solid fuels usage for cooking and heating from 2014-2015 to 2019-2020 and the rate of primary cooking solid fuels usage in 2019-2020, and analyzed the association between solid fuels usage and COPD. The rates of solid fuels usage for cooking and heating significantly decreased, dropping from 45.3% to 28.0% and from 33.5% to 23.2%, respectively. Usage rates were higher among rural residents, with 47.2% using it for cooking and 37.7% for heating in 2019-2020. The usage of solid fuels for cooking is associated with increased risk of COPD. Among rural residents, combined usage of biomass and coal for cooking (OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.48) and using coal as primary fuel for cooking (OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.38) are associated with higher risk of COPD. The usage of biomass for cooking is associated with an increased risk of COPD in urban residents (OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.32). The study demonstrates a significant decline in the use of household solid fuels. Nevertheless, high utilization rates persist among individuals in rural settings and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. It is of great public health importance to propose targeted fuel substitution measures for various solid fuels in different regions to reduce the risk of COPD.

Spatial variation and determinants of solid fuel use in Ethiopia; Mixed effect and spatial analysis using 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey dataset.

According to UNSD, World Bank, and WHO, a 2020 joint report, 3 billion people who used solid fuel were found in low and middle-income countries. The burning of such type of fuel emits a variety of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, organic compounds, and other substances which a had wide range of public health problems The evidence from the WHO report, indoor air pollution was attributed to around 3.2 million deaths each year in 2020, and more than 237 000 deaths of children under the age of five. This study aims to investigate solid fuel prevalence, predictors, and spatial variation in Ethiopia. This study was conducted in Ethiopia based on the fifth Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys 2019 dataset. 8,663 households were successfully interviewed at a response rate of 99%. Weighted by sampling weight was done to do a reliable statistical analysis. Fuel type was used as the outcome variable whereas sex of household head (male or female), wealth index (poor, middle, and rich), educational status (no education, primary, secondary, higher), having television and radio, a separate room used as a kitchen, were individual predictor variables and community level education(lower/higher), residence(urban/rural), community level media exposure (exposed/unexposed), region (pastoralist, semi-pastoralist, Agrarian, and City administration) were community level variables. All the above analyses were conducted using Excel Microsoft 2016, STATA 14, ArcGIS 10.7, and SaTScan 10.1 software. The majority (72.62%) of household heads were males. The overall national level of solid fuel use was 87.13% (95% CI (86.4%-87.82%)). From this 87.13% of solid fuel use, 18.60% accounts for urban and 68.53% for rural parts of the country. Educational status, having television, accessing electricity, and wealth index were individual-level variables community-level education, type of residence, and region were community-level variables significantly associated factors towards solid fuel use in our study. Global (z-score = 33.109144, P-value <0.0001), local (hot spot, cluster, and outlier), and Spatial Scan statistical analyses revealed that there was a major geographical variation in solid fuel use across Ethiopia. Based on this finding, the prevalence of solid fuel use was higher in Ethiopia. Educational status, having television, accessing electricity, and wealth index were individual-level variables and community-level education, type of residence, and region were community-level variables statistically significant factors in determining fuel choice for cooking. There was significant spatial variation in the prevalence of solid-fuel use across the country. In order to addressing such heavily dependent on solid fuel use, responsible bodies like health policy makers, national and international organizations, and public health researchers should work on showing health problems of solid fuel use and the means of increasing clean fuel use. Substantial policy modifications are desirable to reach access to clean fuels and technologies (SDG 7.1.2) by 2030 to address health inequities.