THE SHIFT FROM LPG TO TRADITIONAL FUELS - Understanding The Risks

By Oluwabukola Jimoh ــ Last Update 23 February 2024

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In various parts of Nigeria, the soaring prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly referred to as cooking gas, have spurred a concerning trend: a growing reliance on charcoal and firewood for cooking needs. As highlighted by the Daily Trust, Punch News and a survey carried out on our Facebook platform, the escalating costs of LPG have prompted many households to explore alternative fuel sources, with charcoal and firewood emerging as viable substitutes.

The surge in LPG prices has been particularly pronounced in regions like Abuja, Kano, Lagos, and Jos, where the cost of refilling a 12.5-kilogram cylinder of cooking gas has reached unprecedented levels, sometimes exceeding N18,000. Despite assurances from government officials to address the issue and stabilize prices, the situation has shown little improvement.

In response to the escalating cost of cooking gas, Nigerians are increasingly turning to charcoal and firewood, once considered less desirable because of their environmental and health implications. However, the affordability of these traditional cooking fuels has become more appealing amidst the LPG price surge.

However, this shift comes with significant repercussions. Charcoal and firewood pose serious health risks because of indoor air pollution, as well as environmental concerns such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. As consumers seek cost-effective alternatives, they may inadvertently expose themselves and their families to harmful pollutants and contribute to environmental degradation.

Using firewood and charcoal as cooking fuels poses several dangers to Nigerians, impacting both their health and the environment. Here are some elaborations on these dangers:

Indoor Air Pollution: One of the most significant dangers of using firewood and charcoal for cooking is indoor air pollution. When these fuels are burned, they release harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer. Women and children, who are often the primary cooks in households, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of indoor air pollution.

Respiratory Health Risks: The smoke produced by burning firewood and charcoal contains fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irritation and inflammation. This can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and increase the risk of respiratory infections, especially in children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Long-term exposure to indoor air pollution from traditional cooking fuels has been linked to respiratory diseases and premature death.

Carbon Emissions: The widespread use of firewood and charcoal contributes to deforestation and carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change. Deforestation leads to habitat loss, biodiversity depletion, and soil erosion, further exacerbating environmental degradation. Additionally, the combustion of biomass fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate instability.

Environmental Degradation: Harvesting firewood for fuel often involves unsustainable practices such as clear-cutting forests and stripping vegetation. This disrupts ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and degrades soil quality, leading to desertification and land degradation. Charcoal production, which involves burning wood in low-oxygen conditions, also contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.

Health Inequities: The burden of using traditional cooking fuels falls disproportionately on marginalized communities, including rural populations and low-income households. These communities often lack access to clean and efficient cooking technologies, forcing them to rely on firewood and charcoal for their daily cooking needs. As a result, they bear the brunt of the health impacts associated with indoor air pollution, perpetuating health inequities and socioeconomic disparities.

It's imperative for policymakers, stakeholders, and consumers to recognize the broader implications of the rising cooking gas prices and the subsequent shift towards traditional cooking fuels. While cost considerations are undoubtedly important, they must be weighed against the health and environmental risks associated with alternatives like charcoal and firewood.

As discussions surrounding energy affordability and sustainability continue, it's essential to prioritize solutions that promote access to clean and safe cooking fuels while mitigating the adverse effects of reliance on traditional options. Only through concerted efforts and informed decision-making can we address the challenges posed by the current energy crisis and safeguard the well-being of our communities and the environment.

In summary, while firewood and charcoal may appear to be affordable alternatives to expensive cooking gas, their widespread use poses significant risks to public health and the environment. Addressing these dangers requires a concerted effort to promote clean cooking technologies, improve access to clean energy sources, and implement sustainable forest management practices. By prioritizing the transition to cleaner and more sustainable cooking fuels, Nigeria can safeguard the health of its citizens and protect its natural resources for future generations.

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Oluwabukola Jimoh

Oluwabukola Jimoh is a dynamic academic writer and captivating energy blogger. She is able to delve into intricate subjects with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, crafting thought-provoking essays that engage and enlighten her readers.