About Project
Light and Energy

Millions of people in India are still using primitive lighting systems at home mostly kerosene lamps.

The use of kerosene in the developing world has a negative environmental impact that affects us all. Kerosene is a product of the distillation of crude oil. Put simply, it is a non-renewable “fossil fuel.” It also limits the ability to study and learn.

When burned, seven to nine percent of the kerosene in wick lamps is converted to black carbon, also known as “soot.” The use of kerosene creates black carbon and emits carbon dioxide; both are the greatest man-made contributor to climate change. This has a major global impact. The use of kerosene causes economic damage because it is an expensive fuel source, and its widespread use has a negative economic impact on families, nations, and regions.

Impact
Health Impact of Kerosene Lamp

The World Bank estimates that breathing kerosene fumes is the equivalent of smoking two packets of cigarettes a day and two-thirds of adult females with lung cancer in developing nations are non-smokers.

An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide use fuel for lighting, most frequently kerosene. Burning kerosene in indoor lamps and appliances releases many harmful pollutants, including elemental carbon, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide.

Studies have linked this indoor air pollution to several health issues: lung disease, respiratory infections, asthma, cancer, cataracts, and possibly tuberculosis. Also, lack of access to high-quality health care is compounding these problems.

What we can do?
Provide solar operated devices

GIBV has identified a manufacturer of these devices and has negotiated the best pricing. Initially, it would require seed money to purchase the product to help villages for which GIBV is raising funds through donations. Please click the DONATE button below for solar lamps and other battery-operated devices.

Donate