Imagine: Ecological stoves safeguard respiratory health for rural Mexican families
For the last 15 years Boehringer Ingelheim Mexico has been helping families from the Huasteca Potosina region create a healthier living environment in their homes. In partnership with Fondo Para la Paz, Boehringer has been supporting the construction of wood-saving stoves for indoor cooking and improved ovens for making piloncillo, an unprocessed cane sugar commonly used in Mexico. This ongoing initiative is an important effort to prevent respiratory diseases and enhance respiratory health in this part of the world.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 42 per cent of Mexican rural communities use firewood as their main source of energy in the kitchen. This can lead to the production of 750,000 particles per million, posing serious health risks ranging from eye and throat irritation to chronic respiratory diseases. In fact, exposure to indoor air pollution from solid biomass fuels such as firewood increases the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by 2.65 times.
Wood-saving stoves, also known as ecological stoves, play a crucial role in reducing health risks associated with traditional cooking practices by addressing wood consumption, which averages to three to five kg daily per family. The new models of low-cost stoves optimize wood utilization, saving up to 60 per cent per year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the impact on local biodiversity.
Ecological stoves benefit thousands individuals in underserved communities
Since 2007, the collaborative efforts have resulted in the installation of over 1,500 wood-saving stoves in homes and schools across Veracruz and San Luis Potosí. This initiative has directly benefitted more than 8,700 people, enhancing their respiratory health and promoting sustainable practices.
“For us, it is an honor to contribute with Fondo Para la Paz in the construction of ecological stoves, benefiting those who need it most. Through this partnership, we have been able to improve people’s health and prevent respiratory diseases, such as COPD or lung cancer, which have significant impact on patients and their families,” said Dolores Valenzuela, Communications and Social Responsibility Sr. Manager for Boehringer Ingelheim Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
In addition, Boehringer and Fondo Para la Paz have extended their impact and taken action to enhance living conditions and access to essential services for the inhabitants of these communities, both in housing and work areas. Further infrastructure improvements have been made in community homes and canteens.
“We are pleased to work hand in hand with Boehringer Ingelheim Mexico to improve the health and life of people living in underserved communities, particularly women and girls, who spend extended hours cooking over stoves. This project also contributes to family finances and climate change mitigation by using less firewood for daily and productive activities, thereby reducing combustion emissions,” said Magali Jauregui, General Director of Fondo Para la Paz.
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