Interventions to mitigate indoor air pollution: A cost-benefit analysis
Muhammad Irfan1, Michael P Cameron2, Gazi Hassan2
1School of Economics and Management, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia.
Plos One
|September 24, 2021
Summary
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas offer the best financial returns for reducing indoor air pollution (IAP) from traditional stoves in Pakistan. Promoting these cleaner fuels and electric stoves can significantly improve health and the environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Energy Policy
- Public Health
Background:
- Globally, 3 billion people rely on solid fuels for cooking and heating, leading to significant indoor air pollution (IAP).
- IAP disproportionately affects developing countries like Pakistan, causing severe health and environmental damage.
- Traditional stove use contributes to widespread indoor air pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the benefit-cost ratios and net present value of alternative household energy strategies in Pakistan over a ten-year period.
- To evaluate the economic viability of various interventions for mitigating indoor air pollution.
- To inform policy decisions on promoting cleaner burning technologies.
Main Methods:
- Benefit-cost analysis and net present value calculations were performed for interventions including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, biogas, electric stoves, and improved cook stoves (ICS).
- Annual costs (fixed and operating) and benefits (health, productivity, time, and fuel savings) were assessed.
- A ten-year time horizon was used for the economic evaluation.
Main Results:
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) demonstrated the highest benefit-cost ratio, followed by natural gas.
- Improved cook stoves (ICS) had the lowest benefit-cost ratio among the evaluated interventions.
- Electric stoves and biogas showed moderate benefit-cost ratios, all exceeding one.
Conclusions:
- LPG and natural gas present the most economically advantageous options for reducing indoor air pollution in Pakistan.
- Government promotion of LPG, piped natural gas, and electric stoves is recommended to encourage adoption of clean technologies.
- Transitioning to cleaner household energy strategies is crucial for mitigating IAP and its associated health and environmental impacts.
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