Cooking in Toxic Smoke: The Bioethanol Solution to Replace Polluting Fuels

Apr 17

A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Sustainability estimated that roughly 2.4 billion people lack access to clean cooking options. A World Bank report puts the number at 4 billion, when also considering affordability and reliability. Most of these people rely on solid fuel sources such as biomass and charcoal as their primary energy source. Others depend on fossil fuels to fulfill their energy requirement needs. Over 80 percent of global energy needs today are met by oil, coal, and gas. These fuels are also used extensively in domestic applications—primarily household energy uses such as cooking—which exposes millions of women and children to the negative health risks posed by solid fuels.

Pivot Global Bioethanol Coalition is pushing for a better understanding of solid fuels’ health impacts through support for sustained research and academic initiatives. This article outlines the health and environmental risks posed by the usage of solid fuels as energy sources in cooking applications, and explores the viability of bioethanol-based alternatives.

Solid & Fossil Fuels: The Hazards

To understand the need for transitioning away from solid and fossil fuels, it is essential to be aware of the catastrophic impacts of using them. The environmental damage and health hazards of solid fuels have been thoroughly documented, and their negative impacts have been corroborated by extensive research and academic studies.

The Health and Environmental Toll

The use of solid and fossil fuels has been linked to consequential health impacts affecting people around the globe. Exposure to air pollutants that are released upon combustion is of particular concern.

Air pollution is one of the most well-known health hazards associated with the use of solid and fossil fuels. When these fuels are burned, they release a variety of pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. These pollutants have a range of negative health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and developmental delays in children. Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution; a child’s respiratory and immune systems, not yet fully developed, may not function as well as those of an adult. A prospective cohort study of 501,104 participants, with an average age of 52 years, found that long-term exposure to solid fuel use and smoking can each independently increase the risk of chronic liver disease (CLD) in the target age group.

Additionally, analysis from OnStove suggests that over 700,000 women and children lose their lives each year as a result of forest degradation linked to solid fuel collection. Since women and children are predominantly responsible for fuel collection, this is the demographic that bears the greatest impact. This harm comes from multiple sources, including Gender Based Violence (GBV) and back and neck injuries from carrying heavy loads of solid fuel long distances. A shift to clean cooking technologies could significantly protect regions that practice extensive fuel harvesting, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Protective policies not only improve livelihoods and human health, but also preserve critical and irreplaceable eco-systems and maintain carbon sinks. Numerous countries—Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, India, and Nepal, among others—are making strides to quickly shift toward cleaner technologies.

Household Air Pollution

Around the world, many families cook inside small, poorly-ventilated rooms and are directly and consistently exposed to the toxic smoke. Household air pollution (HAP) is a major contributor to long-lasting negative health effects. A result of Particulate Matter (PM), also known as particulate pollution or particulate matter pollution, HAP is a complex mixture of small particles and droplets suspended in the air. These particles are composed of a wide variety of materials: dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and other chemicals. PM is classified into two main categories: PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 refers to particles that are 10 micrometers or less in diameter, while PM2.5 refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. Both types of PM are health hazards and known to cause a wide range of chronic health problems. Household energy is a leading cause of HAP around the world, and while indoor cooking practices result in a much more significant health risk compared to open-air cooking practices, both indoor and outdoor cooking significantly impact the environment and climate.

One of the main health hazards caused by HAP is respiratory problems. PM or HAP can irritate the lungs and airways, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. PM can also aggravate existing respiratory conditions, most notably asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In severe cases, PM exposure can lead to lung inflammation and infection, as well as permanent lung damage. Long-term exposure to PM can also increase the risk of lung cancer; 6 percent of the 3.2 million deaths from HAP each year are from lung cancer.

According to the WHO, household air pollution causes several other noncommunicable diseases in addition to lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including stroke and ischemic heart disease. PM can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, which can lead to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The use of solid fuels and kerosene at home is responsible for approximately 12 percent of stroke deaths. It also increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. A higher risk of heart failure also increases due to lung function being affected by the matter.

As per the WHO, there is a close correlation between exposure to household air pollution and childhood lower respiratory infection (LRI). Alarmingly, the cause of 44 percent of all pneumonia deaths among children under the age of five is linked to HAP. It affects the body's ability to fight off infections, making it more susceptible to illnesses, and has negative effects on the nervous system. PM can cause inflammation in the brain, which can lead to a higher risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

PM can also have negative effects on the reproductive system. PM can affect the body's ability to produce hormones, which leads to a higher risk of infertility and other reproductive problems. For pregnant women, it can affect the development of the fetus, leading to increased risk of birth defects and other developmental issues. The toxic chemicals and pollutants released during the burning of these fuels can result in cell mutations and lead to the development of breast cancer in women. Even the process of procuring fossil fuels can pose a risk to women's reproductive health; the toxic chemicals released from extracting and producing these fuels can damage the ovaries and uterus. Pregnant women are especially at risk when exposed to such pollutants. A recent study conducted in Nigeria found that cooking with fuels like firewood was associated with a significant increase in the levels of lung-damaging particulate matter PM2.5. The study also showcased that a shift to clean-burning stoves reduced airborne particulate matter and led to reduced cooking time—both of which improve overall quality of life.

A notable study in the household found that infants born to women who cooked with bioethanol had higher birth weights than women who cooked with solid fuels like firewood. The study also reflected a longer gestational period and lower perinatal mortality among bioethanol cookstove users. In addition, lower instances of miscarriage were noticed among women who used clean fuels. This same study showed additional benefits in using bioethanol cookstoves to minimize the negative impacts on cardiovascular health and chronic hypoxia during pregnancy.

Another study, evaluating the health impact of solid cooking fuels used by women in rural India, concluded that exposure to biomass fuel smoke is significantly associated with the prevalence of symptoms of headache, dry cough, and hypertension in women. Similarly, a study focused on the effects of PM10 in women found that exposure could influence the respiratory health of their children.

As for skin diseases, PM can cause inflammation in the skin, which can lead to a higher risk of skin cancer and other skin conditions. PM affects the body's ability to produce collagen, which leads to a higher risk of wrinkles and other signs of aging. The inflammatory-causing properties found in HAP negatively affect eyesight and can cause eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration, in addition to general daily irritation.

Addressing the health impacts of solid fuel usage in cooking, Dr. Megan Benka-Coker, Assistant Professor at Gettysburg College, emphasized the importance of exploring the long-term impacts of solid fuel usage globally. Her research has identified the connectivity between acute biomarkers, such as blood pressure and blood lipids, as precursors of the impact of solid fuels in acute datasets. However, additional in-depth research is further needed to deconstruct the long-term health impacts of solid fuels.

The critical findings from current research showcase the grave threat posed by using solid fuels in domestic environments. It is crucial to take steps to mitigate these risks and to protect the health and well-being of individuals currently exposed to these environments; due to their typical role in the household, women experience two to four times higher exposure rates compared to men.

HAP is a clearly-documented serious health hazard that can cause a wide range of physical problems, resulting in the need to eliminate the use of solid and fossil fuels causing such pollutants. It can cause or exacerbate respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, immune system disorders, neurological disorders, reproductive problems, skin issues, eye problems, and cancer. This daily activity is responsible for more deaths each year than HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria combined—yet still struggles to gain adequate attention.

Bioethanol as a Viable Alternative

It is important for individuals to be aware of the levels of PM in their environment and to take all possible steps to reduce their exposure to PM. Cooking with effective ventilation is a crucial first step. Ultimately, the effective long-term solution to get rid of these pollutants is to transition toward cleaner energy sources. Transitioning to bioethanol from solid and fossil fuels has the potential to greatly improve public health by reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable energy sources, particularly in emerging markets that are in desperate need of alternatives.

Bioethanol Fuel & Cookstoves

The emissions profile of bioethanol is significantly lower than that of solid fuels and conventional fossil fuels such as gasoline. When bioethanol is used as a fuel for transportation or cooking, it produces lower levels of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants.

According to a recent study, solid biomass fuels showed the highest environmental impacts compared to liquid and gas fuels across almost all indicators. The study focused on evaluating various cooking fuels using life cycle assessment (LCA), a method known to outline comprehensive evaluation results on the environmental benefits of products. The study delved deep into the fuel chain and explored the life cycle environmental impact of various cooking fuels, including energy use, water consumption, emissions, and waste. Emissions data was qualified on black carbon and other short-lived pollutants sourced from solid, gaseous, and liquid fuels. The study showcased that the emissions profile of unprocessed solid biomass such as firewood, crop residues, and dung cakes had a significantly higher emissions profile compared to bioethanol.

In the search to expand this viable alternative, a variety of bioethanol cookstoves have been developed and put into the market to provide access. Downstream operators can play a critical role in the transition to bioethanol fuels, but they require support from government policies and the investment community that provide parity in the market with other fuels like LPG and charcoal. The expansion of these highly rated Tier 4 stoves will help mitigate the economic impact resulting from solid fuel utilization. Bioethanol offers a practical alternative due to its compliance with established regulations and the fact it is a regularly traded commodity or produced locally in many places. The emission profile of cooking sources powered by bioethanol has corroborated the viability of these stoves as an optimal alternative. Pivot is actively working with governments and other stakeholders to support policies and standards that will aid in the transition to healthier energy sources, while minimizing the human and economic toll of harmful solid fuel sources.

Key Takeaways

Long-term exposure to solid and fossil fuels has been linked to both harmful short-term inflammatory conditions and increased instances of critical health conditions such as strokes, lung damage, and cancer. In regions where solid-fuel sources are predominantly used as a form of fuel, the physical, social, and economic toll is significant. Global economies need to act on appropriate policy and standards to mitigate these health risks and enable access to viable fuel options like bioethanol. Implementing technologies such as bioethanol-based stoves should focus on a cost-effective replacement with a minimal emissions profile and an ISO established Tier 4 rating.

Pivot is committed to supporting bioethanol businesses that help to deliver clean technology and solutions that improve every part of the value chain—from agriculture that produces feedstock for biofuel, to increasing consumer access. This, in turn, improves global health in an immediate and cost-effective manner, and has additional benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and environmental protections. As commitment to supporting these businesses grow, healthier populations will arise that thrive and prosper with improved livelihoods and better health.

References

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/?page=us_energy_home

https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo/pdf/AEO2022_ReleasePresentation.pdf

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/renewable-sources/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health

https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42885

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5068561/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4156511/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7124491/

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-million-americans-oil-gas-wells.html

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/documents/nei2017_tsd_full_jan2021.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/what-acid-rain