| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1047349 | Energy for Sustainable Development | 2006 | 8 Pages |
A study was undertaken to evaluate health effects generated by biomass combustion in improved earthen cookstoves with socio-economic considerations. A questionnaire was developed and a random sampling method was employed for selecting the samples from the population. Five focus group discussions were also held. The majority (93 %) of the respondents experienced reduced hand roughness while 88 % of them claimed not to have hand burns while cooking with the improved system. Virtually all (98 %) women said they had better health and lifestyle improvements by using the improved earthen stove. Many of the health hazards from the traditional stove have been reduced to a great extent. Women's contribution to family income increased by 0.24 % of the total following use of improved stoves (average increase 13.83 taka/month). Respondents reduced cooking time by 25 % and saved 45 taka/month in fuel costs. The average household saved 1.5 kg of fuel and 45 minutes time daily by using the improved earthen stove.
