High Levels of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Concentrations from Burning Solid Fuels in Rural Households of Butajira, Ethiopia

Abstract

The use of solid fuel, known to emit pollutants which cause damage to human health, is the primary energy option in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure the level of household air pollution by using the 24-h mean concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 150 randomly recruited households in rural Butajira, Ethiopia. Data relating to household and cooking practices were obtained by conducting face-to-face interviews with the mothers. The 24-h mean (standard deviation) and median PM2.5 concentrations were 410 (220) and 340 µg/m3, respectively. Households using only traditional stoves and those who did not open the door or a window during cooking had a significantly higher mean concentration compared with their counterparts. There is a statistically significant correlation between the mean concentration of PM2.5 and the self-reported cooking duration. The pollution level was up to 16 times higher than the WHO 24-h guideline limit of 25 μg/m3, thus leaving the mothers and children who spend the most time at the domestic hearth at risk of the adverse health effects from solid fuel use in Ethiopia. Thus, effective short- and long-term interventions are urgently needed.

Human exposure to indoor air pollution in Ethiopian households

“…Compared to other pollutants, particulate matters (PM) were studied the most where thirty-eight mean concentration values were analyzed for PM 2.5 ( Adane et al., 2021 ; Admasie, 2019 ; Downward et al., 2018 ; Edlund, 2019 ; Embiale et al., 2020a , 2021 ; Graham, 2011 ; Okello et al., 2018 ; Pennise et al., 2009 ; Sanbata et al., 2014a ; Tamire et al., 2021 ; Zwaag, 2016 ), PM 4 ( Keil et al., 2010 ), PM 10 ( Embiale et al., 2019 , 2020b , 2021 ), and TSP ( Embiale et al., 2019 , 2020a , 2021 ; Keil et al., 2010 ; Tadesse, 2015 ). The calculated mean average concentration for PM 2.5 was 477.47 μg/m 3 in the households of Ethiopia as shown in Figure 3 and Table S1.…”

“…This was due to the highest emissions from indoor biomass fuel use, domestic activities such as coffee ceremony, baking injera , wot preparation, poor ventilation, and housing conditions. According to Tamire et al. (2021) , households using only traditional stoves and those that did not open the door or window during cooking had a significantly higher mean concentration compared with their counterparts.…”

“…(2019 and 2021) , Kumie et al. (2009a , 2009b) , and Tamire et al. (2021) have demonstrated the impact of season and ecology on IAP variation.…”

Characterization of fine particulate matter from indoor cooking with solid biomass fuels

“…In a study of 150 households in rural Ethiopia, Tamire et al 28 found that the average duration of cooking per 24 hours was 258 minutes.…”

“…Titcombe et al 27 measured indoor PM 2.5 in a pilot study in homes in Tanzania and found average exposures during cooking events of 1574 ± 287 μg/m 3 when using firewood and 588 ± 347 μg/m 3 when using charcoal, which is in the same range as in our laboratory experiments. In a study of 150 households in rural Ethiopia, Tamire et al 28 found that the average duration of cooking per 24 hours was 258 minutes. Assuming that cooking (including coffee making) is conducted for a total average of 4 hours per day, the 24‐hour average exposure due to cooking alone would be 53 μg/m 3 using charcoal (average of the two types in this study), 1300 μg/m 3 using wood (average of the two types in this study), 35 μg/m 3 using crops residue(a remarkably low value in this context which motivates further experiments for verification), and 2700 μg/m 3 using dung.…”