Charcoal production in residential communities poses significant health and environmental risks, a climate scientist has warned, as concerns grow over air pollution in parts of the country.

Caleb Mensah, head of Atmospheric and Climate Science at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), said smoke from charcoal burning releases harmful particles capable of penetrating deep into the lungs.

“These particles are very tiny… they can enter through our nostrils and get into our lungs, causing damage to the respiratory system,” he said on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (5 June).

Mensah explained that the emissions include fine particulate matter, commonly referred to as PM2.5, which is small enough to bypass the body’s natural filtration systems.

Exposure to such pollutants, he said, can lead to coughing, breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, and increased risk of lung and heart diseases.

“For vulnerable groups like children, whose lungs are still developing, the impact can be even more severe,” he added.

Residents exposed to charcoal smoke may also experience eye irritation, redness, and excessive tearing due to the chemical nature of the emissions.

Mensah noted that while charcoal remains a widely used cooking fuel in Ghana, its production and use come with long-term health consequences.

He called for a gradual shift toward cleaner alternatives, including subsidised energy solutions, alongside stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

“We need to reduce emissions and encourage households to adopt innovative, cleaner cooking methods,” he said.