Exposure reductions associated with introduction of solar lamps to kerosene lamp-using households in Busia County, Kenya

Abstract

Solar lamps are a clean and potentially cost-effective alternative to polluting kerosene lamps used by millions of families in developing countries. By how much solar lamps actually reduce exposure to pollutants, however, has not been examined. Twenty households using mainly kerosene for lighting were enrolled through a secondary school in Busia County, Kenya. Personal PM and CO concentrations were measured on a school pupil and an adult in each household, before and after provision of 3 solar lamps. PM concentrations were measured in main living areas, pupils' bedrooms, and kitchens. Usage sensors measured use of kerosene and solar lighting devices. Ninety percent of baseline kerosene lamp use was displaced at 1-month follow-up, corresponding to average PM reductions of 61% and 79% in main living areas and pupils' bedrooms, respectively. Average 48-h exposure to PM fell from 210 to 104 μg/m (-50%) among adults, and from 132 to 35 μg/m (-73%) among pupils. Solar lamps displaced most kerosene lamp use in at least the short term. If sustained, this could mitigate health impacts of household air pollution in some contexts. Achieving safe levels of exposure for all family members would likely require also addressing use of solid-fuel stoves.

Personal carbon monoxide exposure, respiratory symptoms, and the potentially modifying roles of sex and HIV infection in rural Uganda: a cohort study

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“…Kerosene is similar to diesel fuel as a petroleum distillate, and therefore exposures of children and adults crowded around such lamps at night in a poorly ventilated home can be quite high. 11 In particular, there is evidence for increased risk of tuberculosis with household use of kerosene. 12…”