Leaners in Nairobi are at high risk developing chronic health complications in future due to exposure to high levels of Carbon Monoxide in their homes.
A study by researchers from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) found that learners especially from the informal settlements are exposed to high levels of CO from cooking.
The study dubbed ‘Tupumue’ found that despite most of the urban homes using liquid or gas fuels, concentrations of CO2 levels were compared to rural homes that predominantly use more polluting solid fuels such as charcoal and wood.
The study has found that nearly one in 10 home had extremely high concentrations of CO likely to activate a European-standard Carbon Monoxide alarm.
This means there is likely to be a considerable unquantified burden on health from acute carbon monoxide exposure and carbon monoxide poisoning.
The non-communicable lung disease in Kenya study sought to determine the burden and early life determinants and air pollution concentrations.
The air pollution concentrations were measured for 24 hours in 200 homes in Nairobi.
Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels burning fuels on poorly ventilated stoves.
“Chronic health effects, particularly in terms of child development, may be occurring because of the carbon monoxide exposures reported here,” experts warn.
The study findngs published in the Environmental Pollution scientific journal was done by researchers from KEMRI, and their United Kingdom counterparts from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Storkholm Environmental Institute and the University of Stirling among others.
“The study underscores the urgent need to address household air pollution in urban settings with targeted interventions essential to mitigate Carbon Monoxide exposure and safeguard public health,” it says.
The study notes that embracing ‘cleaner’ fuels do not always generate the desired levels of reduction in household air pollution.
The experts have called for targeted interventions, including community education on household air pollution to reduce exposure from evening cooking in homes.
