Abstract
Abstract
Aim
Globally, household and ambient air pollution (HAAP) accounts for almost 7 million premature deaths each year. Over half of these are from incomplete biomass fuel combustion in open fires and inefficient cookstoves. Solutions to the problem remain challenging due to cost, people’s perception of pollution and unsuitability to meet user needs.
Subject and methods
We used mixed methods and participatory approaches to measure and understand practices and beliefs relating to HAAP in a low-resource community in Malawi. Eighty-six households were randomly sampled for the survey, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels were measured in 46 kitchens and four ambient locations, and 38 households were engaged during participatory transect walks. We analysed the data using descriptive and thematic analysis.
Results
Kitchen PM2.5 levels far exceeded the World Health Organization’s recommended safe levels. Open-burning practices further contributed to ambient air pollution in the community. While there was high awareness of smoke in cooking areas, participants did not associate it with adverse health outcomes. Availability and affordability of cleaner alternatives influenced household energy choices. Integrating participatory methods alongside quantitative data allowed an in-depth understanding of the community’s practices and relationship with HAAP.
Conclusion
The findings demonstrate that energy poverty is a key factor in access to clean energy sources and highlight the importance of engaging communities to design HAAP interventions that meet their physical, socioeconomic and cultural needs.
Funder
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health