Abstract:
Solar lamps are a clean and potentially cost-effective alternative to polluting kerosene
lamps used by millions of families in developing countries. By how much solar lamps
actually reduce exposure to pollutants, however, has not been examined. Twenty
households using mainly kerosene for lighting were enrolled through a secondary school
in Busia County, Kenya. Personal PM2.5 and CO concentrations were measured on a
school pupil and an adult in each household, before and after provision of 3 solar lamps.
PM2.5 concentrations were measured in main living areas, pupils' bedrooms, and
kitchens. Usage sensors measured use of kerosene and solar lighting devices. Ninety
percent of baseline kerosene lamp use was displaced at 1-month follow-up,
corresponding to average PM2.5 reductions of 61% and 79% in main living areas and
pupils' bedrooms, respectively. Average 48-h exposure to PM2.5 fell from 210 to 104
μg/m3 (-50%) among adults, and from 132 to 35 μg/m3 (-73%) among pupils. Solar
lamps displaced most kerosene lamp use in at least the short term. If sustained, this could
mitigate health impacts of household air pollution in some contexts. Achieving safe
levels of exposure for all family members would likely require also addressing use of
solid-fuel stoves.