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

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.

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.

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