Perception of Hazards Associated with Cooking Fuel in Building Indoor Environment

This study assessed perception of hazards from cooking fuels in building indoor environment. One hundred questionnaires were randomly administered to selected households in high density settlement of Zaria metropolis with 96% response rate received. Results showed that females are dominant (83%) users of cooking fuels, kerosene (48.1%) and firewood (29.2%) are common types of cooking fuel use by the households. Factors that determine the use of these fuels are cost (28.2%) and types of stove (19.8%). Awareness level of associated hazards is high (62.5%) and frequency of health problems associated with pollutants (39.6%) is alarming. Opening of windows (47.9%) and isolation of cooking area from living area (42.7%) were the common control measures adopted. It is recommended that public enlightenment on health issues relating to indoor air pollution should be emphasized, as well as implementing codes for control of pollution in the indoor environment

Appraising the combustion of biogas for sustainable rural energy needs

This paper shows the combustion of biogas in rural households’ appliances. Biogas has been known since 1800s as an odourless and colourless gas with high combustion rate. Its use is beginning to gain ground in most developing countries like Nigeria due to its availability, ease of generation and environmental friendliness. Developing countries are characterized by poor infrastructural development, inadequate energy and water supply, poor health delivery system, etc. which hinders economic and social development. Most sources of rural households’ energy are firewood, animal dung, crop residue and kerosene which are associated with negative environmental impacts. The study was carried-out by articulation of past literatures on biogas combustion and consumption in household’s appliances and internal combustion engines. The study ascertains from the past studies high efficiency of biogas compared with natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) on stove-top burner, oven and two panel flue heater. It was observed that, biogas consumption is higher in all the appliances under investigation as compared to natural gas and LPG. The study recommended public enlightenment on biogas technology and its associate benefits to rural areas. The government and NGOs should encourage the application of this technology through financing of pilot projects in community leaders’ households which will extend to the populace. The technology should also be embraced because it is associated with environmental hygiene.Key words: Efficiency, hygiene, sustainability, developing countries, biogas