Chemical Emissions via Smoke Produced Through Burning of Scrap Tires, Firewood and Liquefied Petroleum Gas as Fuel Sources for Singeing Meat in Ghana

This pilot study aims at determining the presence and levels of toxic chemicals emitted through smoke produced via burning of scrap tires, firewood, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used as fuels for singeing meat intended for humans. Burning of these fuels reportedly emits carbon monoxide (CO), benzene, and other air pollutants via the smoke. CO decreases the carrying capacity of blood to transport oxygen to the organs, and can ultimately lead to death. Benzene is associated with irritation of the skin, eyes, and airways; vomiting, dizziness, etc.; and it is a known human carcinogen. Concentrations of these pollutants were quantified using a chip measurement system (CMS) from Draeger Safety, Inc. Analysis was conducted at six different locations in four major cities in Ghana, where animal carcasses are processed for human consumption. Four locations (slaughterhouses) use tire-derived fuel, the fifth (mechanized abattoir) uses LPG, while the sixth uses firewood (with a small piece of tire to start the fire) for meat singeing. Overall, the average CO levels emitted via tire-derived smoke (128.67±18.23 ppm; p