Background of the Study
Biomass fuels, such as wood, charcoal, and agricultural residues, are widely used for cooking in many rural and peri-urban communities in Nigeria, including Niger State (Gbemisola et al., 2023). These fuels are typically burned in traditional stoves or open fires, which produce significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter. Exposure to household air pollution (HAP) from biomass fuel usage has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as premature mortality (Adeniyi et al., 2024). In Niger State, where the reliance on biomass fuels is high due to limited access to cleaner cooking technologies, the effects of HAP on public health remain a critical concern.
The health implications of household air pollution in Niger State are compounded by the fact that many households lack the resources to transition to cleaner energy sources, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or electricity (Oluwaseun et al., 2023). Moreover, there is limited awareness of the risks associated with biomass fuel usage and the potential benefits of adopting alternative cooking methods. Consequently, respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, as well as acute respiratory infections (ARI), are common in households that depend on biomass fuels (Bakare et al., 2023).
This study seeks to evaluate the impact of household air pollution due to biomass fuel usage in Niger State, examining its effects on respiratory health and exploring possible solutions to mitigate the risks. Understanding the scope of HAP in the state and its health implications will be crucial for developing targeted public health interventions and promoting the adoption of cleaner cooking technologies.
Statement of the Problem
The use of biomass fuels in Niger State leads to significant household air pollution, which poses a serious public health risk, especially among women and children who are more frequently exposed to indoor air pollution due to their roles in cooking. Despite the known health risks associated with biomass fuel usage, the issue of household air pollution has not been adequately addressed in the state's public health policies, leading to continued exposure and adverse health outcomes (Khalid et al., 2024). This research will provide critical data on the health effects of HAP and contribute to efforts aimed at improving indoor air quality through cleaner cooking technologies.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on rural and peri-urban communities in Niger State where biomass fuel usage is prevalent. Limitations include challenges in accurately measuring indoor air pollution levels and difficulties in assessing the long-term health impacts of HAP due to the potential confounding factors related to other environmental and lifestyle risks.
Definitions of Terms
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