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Carbon monoxide (CO) is harmful to human health, yet there is limited evidence concerning emissions associated with biomass fuel cooking in occupational settings. Real-time 48-hour monitoring of CO concentrations at breathing height, was undertaken in staff and student kitchen and serving areas of two commercial canteens. We characterized two diurnal CO peaks coinciding with cooking activities. Peak CO concentrations of 255.5 ppm and 1-hour average of 76.3 ppm (IQR: 57.8–109.0 ppm) were observed in the student kitchen; the staff kitchen levels were 208.5 ppm, and 76.3 ppm (IQR: 52.5–114.0 ppm), respectively. High magnitude CO concentrations (8-hour average: 40.7 ppm SD: 40.0 ppm) which exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) Indoor Air Quality standards were observed. Further investigation of personal exposure and health impacts among kitchen staff is required, to inform interventions in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the first research investigation in urban Rwanda of indoor PM2.5 and CO levels associated with biomass fuel cooking activities. The study included a survey of household and cooking activity among 40 biomass fuel households in Nyarugenge District, Kigali, together with air quality monitoring for particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) within those 20 households in which cooking was performed exclusively indoors. Pollutant concentrations were measured at one-minute intervals, using the IQ Air Visual Pro sensor (PM2.5) and electrochemical COA1 (CO) detector adapter devices, respectively. In the majority of households (90%, n = 18) in which monitoring was performed, mean pollutant concentrations were in excess of WHO Air Quality (WHO-AQ) Standards with 24-h values of 93 µgm3 and 35.1 ppm for PM2.5 and CO, respectively. Efforts are required to change household energy policies in favour of cleaner fuel sources and develop effective structural ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rwandan Government’s National Domestic Biogas programme (NDBP), seeks to deliver renewable energy services to households across the country by promoting family-sized anaerobic (biogas) digesters on a large scale. The NDBP policy is implemented at different levels, from government and private contractors to households. We analysed the scheme, focusing on how policy was implemented across two districts, namely Kirehe and Kamonyi, and we interviewed rural households and biogas service providers. The NDBP delivers improved energy service outcomes to a majority of households. Training and education of householders, particularly women, is needed in relation to the maintenance of digesters, feedstock suitability and the environmental as well as the potential livelihood benefits of digestate. There is a need for appropriate implementation strategies, financial support and coordination of biogas programmes. Financial institutions and cooperatives should be involved for policy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]