An evaluation of stove and its usage in key coal-burning fluorosis areas in Guizhou / 中华地方病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the usage of the stoves in the severe endemic areas of coal burning fluorosis, sum up experience timely, find problems and adjust strategy for making prevention and control measures. Methods In 23 counties of Guizhou Province in the severe endemic areas of coal burning fluorosis, a town was selected according to the east, west, south, north and center positions, three villages were selected from each town, and 20 families were selected from each village;household stoves and usage were investigated in 2013. And the data of 14 conties was compared with the survey results of 2007. Results A total of 6 916 families from 341 villages in 115 towns of the 23 counties were investigated. Average utilization rate of coal-fired furnace and electric cooker was relatively high, which was 91.34%(6 317/6 916) and 92.93%(6 427/6 916), respectively. Utilization rate of coal stove, firewood oven, gas stove and liquefied gas stove oven was 7.75% (536/6 916)-21.56%(1 491/6 916). The correct utilization rate of coal-fired furnace was 92.80%(5 862/6 317). The correct utilization rate of coal stove was 66.80%(839/1 256); 92.93%(6 427/6 916)of the families used electric cooker year around. Totally 89.82%(5 674/6 317) of the farmers used iron stove in winter. Compared with those of 2007, in 14 of the counties; the differences of coal-fired furnace, coal stove, firewood oven, electric cooker, gas stove, and liquefied gas stove utilization rate were statistically significant (χ2= 888.35, 6 210.71, 165.54, 9 194.29, 36.98, 729.76, all P<0.05). Conclusion After positive and effective comprehensive treatment for many years, great c hanges have taken place in energy structure, clean energy is widely used, the correct utilization rate of coal-fired stoves is increased, and indoor fluorine pollution caused by coal-burning is under control.