Burning for Survival: Health Risks of Traditional Cooking Fuels for Tribal Women in Lahaul and Spiti, India

Abstract

Introduction: The lack of access to clean fuel in tribal and remote villages significantly worsens the health of females and children due to prolonged exposure to smoke from burning solid fuels such as wood, dung, and crop residues.

Objectives: The present study aims to examine the use of solid fuels and their detrimental impact on the health of tribal women, while also identifying the barriers hindering the adoption of clean cooking fuels such as LPG.

Material and Methods: A collection of 480 women was surveyed from remote villages of Lahaul and Spiti with the help of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied to find out the determinants of risk factors and its association.

Results: Of the 480 women participants, 75.2% were ever exposed to unclean fuel while cooking and only 24.8% used clean fuel. Women respondents reported various health problems while using unclean fuel in open cookstoves- skin infection (48.5%), respiratory infection (46.9%), dry eyes (41.3%) and cardiovascular problems (17.1%). Odds of use of unclean fuel were significantly higher among poor (AOR=3.09, CI=1.14- 5.11, p<0.05) and homemaker (AOR=2.54, CI=1.13-4.51, p<0.01) female participants and suffering from various health infections- skin, respiratory, eye, cardio and common cough.

Conclusion: Free availability of firewood and agriculture waste, high initial cost of LPG, refill cost of LPG, disruptions in supply chain and lack of awareness about adoption of clean fuel in the remote villages were the major barriers towards the adoption of clean fuel. Targeted interventions that address affordability, ensure reliable access, and incorporate local awareness programs are essential for broader transition to clean energy source in tribal and remote areas.