Market ladies in Accra’s Dome Market have noticed that their constant exposure to firewood smoke damages their eyes and overall health.
The market women were speaking during a cylinder recirculation model (CRM) awareness exercise held at the market on Friday by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
Ms. Elizabeth Ansah, one of the traders, stated that she cooked using charcoal and firewood.
She stated that she had just noticed that her left eye was losing sight and that she suspected it was due to smoke from a naked fire.
According to Ms. Ansah, her mother also had eye problems, primarily as a result of smoke from the naked fire.
She stated that medical examinations had proved that persistent inhalation of smoke from charcoal and firewood harms the eyes, lungs, and causes babies to be born with low birth weight.
Mrs. Asante stated that the CRM was implemented by the NPA, and thus the government, to promote access to LPG and assure safety in the distribution chain.
As a result, she recommended the women to use LPG to protect themselves from the dangerous effects of charcoal and firewood smoke.
In other news, the NPA held a free breast cancer screening at the Dome Market.
Medical professionals advised market women to self-screen their breasts monthly and to seek medical attention as needed.
In her address to the women, Mrs. Asante stated that the NPA Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, was concerned about women’s health, which led to the decision to conduct the free breast cancer screening.
She stated that the exercise was designed to ensure the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
