Medical experts have sounded the alarm over the health risks that children face from inhaling smoke produced by firewood flames, warning that continued exposure can lead to chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and various allergic disorders.

Pulmonologists and child health specialists have raised concerns over the growing reliance on firewood and traditional stoves in Nigerian households, urging parents to take proactive steps in protecting their children from the toxic air pollutants released during cooking with biomass fuels.

Firewood Smoke Threatens Developing Lungs

According to respiratory specialists, smoke from burning firewood contains dangerous airborne particles that can damage the lungs of growing children. These particles, though often invisible to the naked eye, are small enough to enter the respiratory system and reach deep into the lungs, triggering immediate and long-term health issues.

Dr. Peter Ubuane, a paediatric pulmonologist, emphasized that the immature respiratory systems of children make them particularly vulnerable. “Burning firewood emits high levels of pollutants, including particulate matter and carbon monoxide,” he explained. “These pollutants weaken the natural defenses of the lungs, making children more prone to serious infections such as pneumonia.”

He added that repeated exposure increases the likelihood of children developing lifelong breathing problems, particularly for those who already suffer from asthma. “Children with asthma may experience more frequent and severe attacks if regularly exposed to firewood smoke. This could lead to higher rates of school absenteeism and social withdrawal,” he warned.

National and Global Concerns Over Biomass Smoke

The concerns raised by health professionals are echoed by national and international agencies. The Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, recently disclosed that over 80,000 women die annually from exposure to harmful emissions from firewood and traditional stoves.

Further amplifying the issue, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina noted that an estimated 600,000 women and children across Africa lose their lives each year due to indoor air pollution caused by cooking with firewood and charcoal.

Adding to the evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified firewood smoke as the third leading cause of death among women and children in Nigeria. According to WHO data, about 93,300 people in Nigeria die annually from inhaling smoke emitted by traditional biomass cookstoves.

Why Families Still Depend on Firewood

Despite the well-documented dangers, a large portion of Nigeria’s population still relies heavily on firewood and charcoal for daily cooking needs. A 2024 report from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that nearly 68% of Nigerian households use firewood, while around 20% rely on charcoal. In contrast, only 19.4% of households have adopted liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking.

Soaring costs of LPG and persistent electricity challenges have pushed many families—especially in rural and low-income areas—back to the use of firewood. According to reports, the price of cooking gas surged by 114% over a 16-month period, making it unaffordable for many households.

Air Pollutants and Their Devastating Impact

Doctors continue to raise red flags about the range of harmful substances released during firewood combustion. Dr. Ubuane explained that aside from particulate matter, cooking with firewood also releases dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, which is capable of reducing oxygen levels in the body and aggravating respiratory conditions.

“These substances don’t only affect children. They pose serious health threats to adults and even unborn babies, as exposure during pregnancy may contribute to developmental issues in the fetus,” he stated.

Pulmonology senior registrar, Dr. Temitope Ayanda-Fapohunda, also weighed in on the health implications. “The smoke from biomass fuel irritates the respiratory tract and hampers lung development in children,” she explained. “Kids exposed to these fumes may not reach the full potential of their lung capacity, putting them at a lifelong disadvantage.”

She further pointed out that such children are more prone to repeated infections, which can become a financial and emotional burden for families. “Frequent illnesses mean repeated hospital visits, expensive medications, and missed school days, which may even affect a child’s academic performance and cognitive development,” she noted.

Urgent Need for Safer Alternatives

Health professionals are now strongly encouraging the adoption of safer cooking alternatives such as cooking gas and electric stoves. Dr. Ayanda-Fapohunda urged households still reliant on firewood to consider the health costs involved and prioritize cleaner options wherever possible.

For families who are currently unable to make a switch due to financial constraints, the doctors offered practical advice. “If you must cook with firewood, do so in open or well-ventilated areas to reduce the concentration of smoke indoors,” Dr. Ayanda-Fapohunda advised.

She also emphasized the importance of monitoring children for respiratory symptoms. “If a child begins to show signs of breathing difficulties or recurring chest infections, they should be taken to a medical facility for proper assessment. In cases where available, lung function tests can help detect any underlying impairments.”

Protecting Future Generations

In conclusion, experts strongly advocate for urgent public health awareness campaigns to educate communities about the health risks of indoor air pollution. They also call for government intervention to make cleaner fuel options more accessible and affordable for low-income families.

“The health of our children must come first,” said Dr. Ubuane. “No child should suffer preventable lung damage because their family had no access to safer cooking methods. The time to act is now.”