Sodiq Ojuroungbe Leading medical experts in Nigeria have raised the alarm over serious health risks associated with traditional cooking methods, as just one in ten Nigerian households uses clean energy sources. They noted that this limited adoption of cleaner fuels such as gas, electricity, or solar is contributing to widespread respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the physicians explained that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons often found in firewood and other polluting fuels could lead to rise in lung cancer.
Recently, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, revealed that only one in 10 households in the country use clean energy sources and technologies for cooking. The minister lamented that traditional cooking with firewood and other polluting fuels, such as kerosene and charcoal, is claiming lives, causing deforestation, and contributing to climate change, while also placing a burden on women. With the majority of Nigerians still relying on firewood and charcoal following the hike in cooking gas, the public health experts emphasised the urgent need for increased access to and adoption of clean cooking technologies to prevent ongoing health issues and environmental damage.
The physicians advocated for a transition to clean energy sources, such as gas, electricity, and solar cookers, which can significantly reduce indoor air pollution and related health risks While emphasising that women and children are dispr.