Abstract:
The aim of the study was to assess the reported health problems associated with
the burning of biomass fuel for fish smoking. A cross-sectional study was
conducted from December 2016 to May 2017 among fish smokers at Abuesi in
the Western Region of Ghana. A total of 434 fish smokers were selected to
assess their level of knowledge of health effects associated with fish smoking
as well as disease symptoms they have encountered as a result of smoking fish.
Additionally, 60 smoke houses were monitored for particulate matter (PM2.5)
and volatile organic compound concentrations. Measurements were taken at
indoor, outdoor and control locations. The highest concentration of (PM2.5) was
recorded in the indoor environment. The mean concentration of (PM2.5)
between the indoor and control environment was significantly different unlike
between the outdoor and control environments. The concentration of Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs) systematically varied across three locations. The
most reported disease symptoms were eye infection and cough. There was a
strong positive association between the number of years spent smoking fish and
frequency of eye problems reported by the fish smokers. Educational attainment
was a significant predictor of the level of knowledge of fish smokers on the
health effects associated with fish smoking. There is therefore the need for
further studies to explore other energy sources which may have lesser negative
effect on human health.
