Abstract
Considering the present energy and economic situation in Sri Lanka it is unlikely that modern fuels could replace biomass as the major fuel for cooking in the near future. However there is growing scientific evidence to substantiate that use of biomass for cooking contributes to a high degree of indoor air pollution leading to major health hazards even leading to death. Yet for majority of the people who cannot afford modern cleaner fuels there is little option but to continue cooking with biomass. Even from a national point of view, to dissuade the use of a local and a renewable energy resource used almost by 90% of the population which will have negative repercussions with regard to the energy security and the economy. Fortunately the picture is not that gloomy. The latest studies done in many developing countries reveal that interventions such as introduction of improved wood stoves, improving ventilation, smoke extraction in kitchens and change in cooking behaviour could lead to lower particulate concentrations thus reducing the danger of exposure contributing to adverse health conditions. Experience shows that there is no ‘one size fits all’ technical fix. A lasting solution depends upon the active participation of those at risk, poor women.
This indicates that urgent actions and commitments are required from policy makers, development planners and all those who are concerned with national well being to realise the danger and facilitate the adoption of proven opportunities identified by scientific research which are mostly low cost and more importantly requiring no foreign expenditure.
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