Cooking with Charcoal Equals Smoking 2 Packs of Cigarettes Daily – WHO Report Cited by Dr. Richard Danyoh

By
Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
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Health Risks of Charcoal Use Revealed


Dr. Richard Bright Danyoh, a prominent public health expert, has raised serious concerns about the widespread use of charcoal for cooking in Ghana and other developing nations. Citing estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), he st ated that using charcoal regularly for cooking is equivalent to smoking two packs of cigarettes every single day.

According to WHO data, household air pollution from solid fuels like charcoal and firewood is a leading cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The smoke emitted during charcoal combustion contains harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, benzene, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

A Silent Killer in Homes


“Many families unknowingly expose themselves and their children to slow, cumulative poisoning just by cooking meals the traditional way,” Dr. Danyoh explained. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low birth weight, and even stroke.

Women and children are the most affected since they spend more time near cooking areas. The WHO estimates that household air pollution causes over 3.2 million premature deaths annually, with the vast majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Cooking with Charcoal Equals Smoking Two Packs of Cigarettes Daily – WHO Report Cited by Dr. Richard Danyoh
Charcoal Burning

Call for Cleaner Cooking Solutions


Dr. Danyoh urged both government and private stakeholders to promote clean cooking alternatives such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), improved cookstoves, and electric induction cookers. He emphasized that switching to cleaner energy not only saves lives but also reduces deforestation and environmental degradation caused by charcoal production.

The Ghana Health Service and Ministry of Energy have also been advocating for the adoption of cleaner fuels as part of Ghana’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 — access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

Also Read: Meat Burnt Using Vehicle Tyres May Cause Cancer – Research Warns

Author

  • Daniel Ablordey

    Daniel Ablordey is a Business Analytics student at the University of Ghana Business School and an emerging strategist at the intersection of data, markets, and narrative. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for African business and economic trends, he is building a career focused on translating complex data-driven insights into accessible, decision-relevant stories that matter.

    As a writer and editor with Insight Ghana, African Business Insight, and The African Journal, Daniel delivers sharp, high-impact analysis on current affairs, business developments, and emerging trends across the continent. His work is defined by precision, clarity, and a deep commitment to responsible journalism — ensuring that every story he tells is not only accurate but meaningful to the audiences it serves.

    Beyond his editorial work, Daniel serves as an Ecobank Youth Ambassador, where he actively promotes financial inclusion, digital banking, and financial literacy among young Ghanaians. His leadership experience spans academic, professional, and faith-based institutions, where he has consistently driven initiatives centered on growth, structure, and long-term impact.

    Grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and service, Daniel brings a rare combination of analytical rigour and storytelling depth to his work. Whether unpacking market behavior, profiling emerging business leaders, or covering cultural shifts shaping the continent, he approaches every assignment with strategic intent and editorial integrity.

    His broader ambition is to contribute to Africa's transformation by shaping how data, business, and storytelling intersect — not just locally, but on a global stage.