Health & Safety

The effects of fuel-based lighting are serious and debilitating for the developing world. Being a primary lighting fuel, kerosene causes heavy local and indoor air pollution resulting in illnesses and death. Acute respiratory infections such as influenza and pneumonia kill nearly 2 million children in developing nations each year (1).

Also, kerosene and candles are responsible for countless catastrophic fires every year. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, burns are also a serious public health problem. There are over 300,000 deaths each year from fires alone, with more deaths from scalds, electrical burns, and other forms of burns, for which global data are not available. Fire-related deaths alone rank among the 15 leading causes of death among children and young adults 5-29 years. Over 95% of fatal fire-related burns occur in low- and middle-income countries. South-East Asia alone accounts for just over one-half of the total number of fire-related deaths worldwide and females in this region have the highest fire-related burn mortality rates globally. Among the various age groups, children under 5 years and the elderly (i.e. those aged over 70 years) have the highest fire-related burn mortality rates. In addition to those who die, millions more are left with lifelong disabilities and disfigurements, often with resulting stigma and rejection (2).

Safe, reliable and near permanent WLED lighting provided by LUTW reduces air pollution in the home enhancing safety and improving health conditions. Each village where kerosene lamps were replaced with LUTW systems has reported significant improvements of air quality in their homes. Mobile WLED lighting has also allowed safe field access after dark (irrigation needs, elephant/human conflict etc.).