Effects of Charcoal Marketing on the Environment and Health in the City of Cotonou in Southern Benin

Charcoal marketing is the main activity in the Gbegamey district of Cotonou. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of charcoal marketing on the environment and health of the Gbegamey population. A mixed descriptive and evaluative design was adopted. Data were collected using an interview guide, a structured non-participatory observation grid and air quality analysis equipment (PCE RCM 8 air quality detector;Carbon monoxide meter AS 87000A and Anemometer AM 4812) among charcoal traders, food vendors and residents living near charcoal sales outlets, selected by non-probabilistic purposive sampling, and were analysed with reference to national regulatory provisions and WHO recommendations (2022). 57 people, including 26 shopkeepers, were surveyed. Their average age was 45, with extremes of 25 and 65. The effects of charcoal marketing on health and the environment were known to 23 traders, who unfortunately did not adopt any protective measures. Some of the health effects mentioned were rheumatic and cardiovascular diseases. Pollutants (PM1: 96 µg/m3, PM2.5: 161 µg/m3, PM10: 206 µg/m3, CO: 185 mg/m3) were present in the coal-selling environment at Gbegamey. According to the respondents, respiratory diseases (42.31%), rheumatic diseases (30.77%) and cardiovascular diseases (11.54%) affected the traders, while respiratory diseases (51.61%) affected the general population. The marketing of charcoal in the Gbegamey district generates a high concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere. The activity needs to be monitored in order to limit its effects.