Why replacing Kerosene?
In Kenya, about 30 Million people mainly use kerosene for their lighting needs. Either used in hurricane lamps, tin cans or just bottles with a wick in it.
But kerosene represents a well documented and major risk for health, safety, the environment and people's wallet.
Illegal electricity connections Kerosene tin lamps Hurricane lamp
Health risks
All kind of kerosene lamps emit unhealthy kerosene smoke. The WallStreet Journal even reported that 60% of children deaths in developing countries result from respiratory illnesses which are in part attributed to the indoor air pollution.
Worldwide indoor air pollution is responsible for the death of 1.6 million people every year - that's one death every 20 seconds (Source: WHO).
But not only kerosene-emissions affect people's and especially the children's health. According to a study by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in conjunction with Wellcome Trust in Kenya (2008), 60% of accidental poisoning in Kenyan households results from the accidental ingestion of kerosene by children under the age of 5.
Safety risks
Knocked over kerosene lamps are a major reason for devastating fires, especially in slum areas and heavy burn injuries and even deaths.
More over, due to the lack of electricity, people in off-grid areas tab the few existing electricity line. But those illegally installed connections are unsafe and also cause deaths and heavy injuries.
Environmental risks
Kerosene is a fossil fuel. Hence, by burning it, about 135,2 kg CO2 /kerosene lamps/year gets emitted in the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.
Also, kerosene is a source of nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxides contributing to acid rain and ozone depletion.
Economics of kerosene lamps
The average expenses for kerosene for lighting in Kenya are between KES 20.- to KES 30.- per night, which are about KES 600.- - KES 900.- per month. And additional time in the evenings means additional expenses...
In total, the UNIDO estimates, that Kenya alone spends about USD 500 Millions on kerosene for lighting alone.
Kerosene costs every day and every hour - the sun is for free!
Read more about the Benefits of solar lanterns...