A rapid review examining health considerations in firewood species selection criteria among rural South African households

The health risks of firewood as an energy source are well-documented, however, there is limited evidence on whether rural South African households consider health implications when selecting firewood species for domestic energy, a gap that this study addresses. The findings indicate that the availability and accessibility of firewood species are prioritised, with Dichrostachys cinerea, Vachellia karroo, and Acacia dealbata as preferred species. Health-related criteria, such as firewood species that burn well, are smokeless, generate intense heat, burn longer, quickly dry, easily ignite and split, are considered but not prioritised. Wood density also emerged as an important factor, with high-density hardwoods preferred for burning longer and quickly igniting, despite literature suggesting that hardwoods are difficult to ignite. Additionally, the selection of firewood that burns even when wet increases the health risks from smoke exposure due to wet wood. Non-prioritisation of health-related criteria is linked to the scarcity of preferred species, economic constraints, lack of health risk awareness, social dynamics, and the cultural or spiritual significance of firewood species. Other criteria not related to emissions exposure but may indirectly impact user health included firewood that does not sparkle and is not heavy to carry, helping prevent burns, accidental fires, and musculoskeletal strain. The findings, therefore, highlight a gap between the aim and implementation of the South African Guidelines for the Management of Domestic Indoor Air Quality and actual household practices. Integrating the sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF) to comprehensively comprehend the socio-economic realities shaping household energy choices was therefore proposed to bridge this gap.