Cooking With Firewood Often Is Not Ideal.

Firewood has been used as a fuel source from the beginning of time for different purposes and it is still being used for cooing these days. Firewood is used to cook, roast, defend against wild animals,for warmth etc.

Anyone who has ever cooked or been near where firewood is being used would readily attest to the fact that it is always an unpleasant experience. Cooking with firewood is uncomfortable but will cause no serious health issues if it is not frequent but long-term or daily use of firewood may affect the lungs, heart and eyes.

The main health risk of cooking with firewood is the smoke. Smoke is an air pollutant that is made up of unburned fuel particles which can affect the lungs. Some of the short-term effects of inhaling burning firewood are;

• Nasal congestion.
• Runny noses.
• Coughing.
• Eye irritation.
• Triggering asthma symptoms.
• Difficulty in breathing.

During firewood burning, chemicals like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and other toxic gases are released into the air. Smoke particles have so many negative impacts on the lungs and heart. Frequent inhalation of wood smoke is not ideal for good health.

This practice is very common in rural areas where there is limited access to other sources of fuel. Educating people on the need to substitute firewood for other fuel sources is important. Wood can be used for more important things like building, compost, furniture and the trees themselves can provide shelter from the sun. Reducing the practice of cooking with firewood will also help to reduce the cutting down of precious trees.

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