Kerosene lantern

Figure 1. Modern kerosene lantern.

Kerosene lanterns burn kerosene for lighting. The lanterns pull kerosene through a wick within the lantern, creating light. Worldwide, millions of people continue to rely on kerosene or other similar fuels as a primary source of lighting. Although kerosene is a better fuel choice for cooking and lighting than solid fuels, there are many concerns - both environmentally and in terms of health - when kerosene is used as a household fuel.

Health Risks

The use of kerosene as a fuel in heaters can be dangerous. When operating, kerosene heaters can degrade indoor air quality while producing toxic and potentially carcinogenic gases. In developing countries, the widespread use of kerosene comes with numerous issues. Hazards of kerosene use include poisoning, fires, and explosions. As well, some kerosene lamps emit fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitric oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide when burned. These by-products may reduce lung function and increase risks of respiratory disease, including asthma. In addition to this, handling the fuel can be dangerous, as kerosene is irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

Taking into account the risks of using kerosene, cleaner alternatives to kerosene technologies for lighting and cooking should be investigated, although kerosene is still a safer option in many cases than using solid fuels.

Climate Issues

Generally speaking, kerosene lamps are inefficient and produce harmful by-products of combustion when used. When kerosene is burned in wick lamps, about 7-9% of the kerosene consumed is converted to particulate matter that is almost entirely black carbon, a harmful emission. When wood is burned, less than half a percent is turned to black carbon. Reducing black carbon emissions is recognized as one way to help slow global warming, and since kerosene lamps are such a major source of black carbon, limiting their use could be beneficial to the environment. Alternatives to this kerosene include increased electrification and the use of inexpensive LED light bulbs.

Alternatives

• Comparing Lighting Technologies
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  Figure 2. A man working by the light of a kerosene lantern. This type of lighting provides dim light that is not easy to work in.
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  Figure 3. The same room lit by an LED lamp, providing much more light. This makes work much easier.

Generally, regions with limited access to electricity are more likely to rely on kerosene lanterns. As explained above, these lanterns are harmful not only to the environment but also to the people relying on them for lighting. Thus, attempts are being made to provide better lighting for those who may not have access to electricity. One alternative that has been proposed to replace the use of kerosene lanterns while still providing lighting in developing countries is the use of LED lamps. These lamps are beneficial, as LED bulbs are extremely efficient and have a very long life, minimizing or eliminating the need to replace the bulbs frequently. Rechargeable lamps, including solar-powered models, have been proposed with community chargers available to people using these lights. This option is significantly safer than kerosene lamps, and they are not fossil fuel based light sources, minimizing the environmental impact of providing light. LED lamps pose no fire risk and do not reduce indoor air quality.