A Simplified Model for Estimating Household Air Pollution in Challenging Contexts: A Case Study from Ghana

Abstract

Almost three billion people rely primarily on inefficient and polluting cooking systems worldwide. Household air pollution is a direct consequence of this practice, and it is annually associated with millions of premature deaths and diseases, mainly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The use of improved cookstoves often represents an appropriate solution to reduce such health risks. However, in the distribution of such units, it can be necessary to prioritize the beneficiaries. Thus, in this study, we conducted field research involving five rural villages in the Northern part of Ghana, where using three-stone fires or rural stoves was common. Concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured indoors and outdoors. Considering each field mission lasted less than 24 h, assumptions were made so as to calculate the average pollutant concentrations in 24 h through a new, simplified equation that combined efficiency and cost-savings by shortening field assessments. The obtained values were compared with international guidelines. The results showed that PM2.5 and PM10 limits were overstepped in two villages, which should thus be prioritized. However, further research will be necessary to strengthen and validate our proposed equation, which must be seen as a starting point.