Smoke Toxicity Of Some Firewood Samples Used In Anambra State.

Abstract

The toxicity of smoke from firewood samples to its users has been investigated. The aim of this research is to evaluate the smoke toxicity of selected firewood samples from Umuoji, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The components of the smoke samples were analyzed using a flue gas analyzer; Testo 350XL, the gases emitted while burning these woods were identified. The wood ashes were digested using APHA standard methods and analyzed using Agilent A200 series Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer. From the findings of the study, the result of the analysis shows that wood smoke is made up of VOC/Hydrocarbons (2134ppm – 27340ppm), oxides of Sulphur (2ppm – 54ppm), Carbon monoxide (28ppm – 956ppm), Carbon dioxide (20.59ppm – 20.80ppm), oxides of Nitrogen (0.1ppm – 0.8ppm) and Hydrogen gas (18ppm -100ppm) in proportions higher than the threshold limit values (TLV) acceptable by the world health bodies, except for the oxides of nitrogen which shows danger only in the inhalation of N₂O₄ while the heavy metal analysis of their wood ash showed presence of Lead (0.19ppm – 1.19ppm), Zinc (7.51ppm – 14.60ppm), Copper (0.89ppm – 2.36ppm), Chromium (0.35ppm – 0.58ppm) and Cadmium (0.15ppm – 0.58ppm) whose proportions are higher than the threshold limit values (TLV) acceptable by the world health bodies. Data obtained in this study were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using ANOVA and by Friedman non – parametric statistical test. The best wood in relation to smoke toxicity are Acacia, Gmelina, and African bread fruit and are recommended for wood fuel, while Bamboo, Avocado, and African star apple should be rarely used. In relation to heavy metal content, Gmelina, African star apple and Bamboo woods are preferred to the other wood samples.