Households’ Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution from Fossil Fuel Electric Generator Use in Minna Nigeria

Abstract

Lack of reliable access to modern energy in Minna Niger state results in households’ use of inefficient alternatives especially fossil fuel generators for domestic purposes. The study analyses indoor air pollution from households’ use of generator with a view to determining their exposure to Carbon monoxide. The concepts of energy access, poverty and generator pollution were reviewed. The research employed empirical approaches and adopted the multi-stage sampling technique. The study area has a population of 63,873 households. MSA Altair 5X Multigas detector was employed in the detection of pollution (CO) levels emanating from the generator use. It revealed that inefficient use of generator, generates 60 ppm, above the WHO and NAAQS threshold of 10 ppm. 66.4% of the generator using households are exposed to dangerous levels of CO pollution from generator use at ≤4 meters’ distance in Minna, Nigeria. The study concluded that households’ access to adequate electricity de-emphasizes the need for generator ownership and use. Households’ liveability is undermined by high level of pollution. It recommended enlightenment on the dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide and that generators should be operated at a minimum distance of 4 meters away from residential buildings.