The Health Promotion Officer for the Sekyere South District, Mr. Joseph Asore, has disclosed that prolonged exposure to smoke from wood fuel, such as charcoal and firewood, poses significant health dangers, especially for pregnant women.
Speaking at a National LPG awareness and sensitisation campaign in Jamasi, Mr. Asore emphasised that smoke exposure could lead to a range of serious health issues, including low birth weight, infant mortality, asthma, respiratory infections, reduced lung function and even heart failure.
“The effects can manifest in newborns, with many babies being born underweight due to these dangers. The normal birth weight of a newborn starts at 2.5kg, but these risks can lead to children being born with lower weights, which can have long-term consequences on their health”, he added.
This awareness campaign is part of a broader national initiative executed in collaboration with the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Energy, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Digicraft Advertising/Brand Management.
The issue of air pollution in the country has been overlooked for a very long time. There is a hidden danger lurking in our daily cooking practices which is mostly overlooked and is a contributor to air pollution.
The disclosure by Mr. Asore that prolonged exposure to smoke from wood fuels such as charcoal and firewood poses significant health risks, particularly to pregnant women, should spur us into immediate action.
In a country like Ghana where the use of charcoal and firewood remains prevalent, the health implications highlighted by Mr. Asore are deeply concerning. The direct link between smoke exposure and severe health outcomes, such as low birth weight, infant mortality, asthma, and even heart failure, is a critical public health issue that cannot be ignored.
These dangers not only jeopardize the health of vulnerable populations, like pregnant women and infants, but also impose a long-term burden on our healthcare system and society at large.
Air pollution, whether indoor or outdoor, is a silent killer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels is responsible for millions of premature deaths annually.
Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable, as their exposure can lead to long-term health complications and developmental issues. In Ghana, where charcoal and firewood are commonly used, this issue is particularly pressing.
The National LPG awareness campaign is a crucial initiative aimed at reducing these health risks and mitigating air pollution.
Switching to LPG not only reduces the harmful emissions that contribute to indoor air pollution but also plays a significant role in the broader fight against environmental degradation.
As Nana Kofi, the Twafohene of Jamasi wisely noted, the widespread use of wood fuel has already caused severe damage to our forests. These forests act as vital carbon sinks, helping to absorb carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change.
If we reduce our reliance on wood fuel, we not only protect our health but also contribute to the preservation of our environment and the fight against global warming.
As individuals, we can play a role in this effort by adopting safer cooking practices and regularly maintaining our LPG equipment, as advised by Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko, NPA’s Head of Consumer Services.
By keeping LPG cylinders outside the kitchen and ensuring they are in good condition, we can prevent accidents and further reduce the risks associated with air pollution.
The transition to LPG as a safer, cleaner alternative is a vital step in reducing air pollution and protecting both our health and the environment.
Now is the time for action—let us embrace these changes for the sake of our communities and the future of our planet.
