Relation Between Solar Cooking And Health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) smoke kills 1.5 million women and children each year. Smoke inhalation has become one of the biggest causes of deadly health problems among people living in poor and developing countries. It is impossible for us to imagine the burning sensation and feeling of stinging eyes that people feel everyday while cooking their food because of smoke inhalation but is the harsh reality for millions of people.

Helping such huge number of population requires lot of work but food can be cooked in smoke free environment for the people residing in such poor regions. Solar energy has been used since the beginning of human civilization for drying and heating purpose and it can be used for cooking as well. Solar cooking eliminates smoke production and reduces the environmental degradation caused by using too much fuel wood. Both solar cooking and health is related with each other.

Respiratory diseases have been recognized as major health problem which is caused by toxic smoke produced from solid fuel burning. Utilizing the solar energy would completely eliminate this problem and improve people’s life drastically. People living in marginalized condition cannot afford other fuel source so they have no option than using solid fuel which harms both environment and their health. Providing these people with option of solar cooking could improve their lives significantly.

Although adopting solar cooking could face some challenges at time but it is a practical option. Most of the countries which faces energy crisis are rich in natural elements like hydro, wind and solar. Solar energy is considered practical option because of its availability. Solar cooking can be taken as the best alternative for regions which faces fuel shortage and betterment in health can be taken as an added bonus in solar energy utilization. Solar cooking could be more approachable in tropical and semi-tropical areas like Africa, South Asia, Australasia, Central and Northern South America. These places receive abundance of sun light throughout the year making solar cooking a better alternative.

According to the report provided by Practical Answers, people living in remotest part of the world accepted using solar cooking methods. Women and officials of country like Bolivia, Senegal, Haiti and Northern Chile were very keen on using the solar cooking technique for everyday purpose and asked for the support from Practical Answers guides. The guides answers all the queries that are related with use of solar cooking like How fast does it cook?, What if the main meal is eaten after dark?, How quickly will it boil water?, What are the problems associated with solar cooking and many others. Learning these answers will help people to choose the best option.

Solar cooking and health goes together as people will certainly eliminate chances of getting smoke-induced health problems. It becomes affordable option in the long run as people won’t have to waste their time in wood collection or buying them. Solar energy is renewable and it doesn’t affect the environment. It is a long term investment which only yields profit.

Providing marginalized people with option makes their life easy and comfortable. Having access to renewable energy is much better than complete dependence on fossil fuels. Understanding their needs and conditions to help them would be the best way to tackle their problem.