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Figure 17.1: Perceived Reduction in Smoke after BGP
17.4 EPISODES OF SYMPTOMATIC EYE INFECTION FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS
Exposure to kitchen smoke for prolonged time may produce symptoms like red eye, water discharge or plus
discharge from the eyes. Thus an attempt was made to explore the episodes of eye infection for last three
years of the households under study with and without biogas plants (Table 17.3).
S.N.
Table 17.3: Episodes of Eye Infection for the Last Three Years
Status of Infection
With Biogas Plants
Without Biogas Plants
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
1. Increased 20 29.9 42 40.8
2. Same 40 59.7 53 51.5
3. Decreased 7 10.4 8 7.8
Total 67 100.0 103 100.0
Around 41 percent of non-biogas households had perceived 'increased eye infection' within last three years,
compared to 30 percent in case of biogas households. However, the difference was not statistically significant
(2=1.446). In the same manner, no significant difference was found between the two study groups
perceiving 'decreased eye infection' or 'same conditions'. It should be noted that among other factors, the eye
problem might be related also to the hygiene of the women.
17.5 RESPIRATORY DISEASES 4
Table 17.4 illustrates the responses the respiratory diseases of the households under examination with and
without biogas plants.
Table 17.4: Respiratory Diseases
S.N. Status of Infection
With Biogas Plants Without Biogas Plants
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
1. Presence of Respiratory Disease 50 8.3 73 12.2
2. Absence of Respiratory Disease 550 91.7 526 87.8
Total 600 100.0 599 100.0
4 Includes cough, shortness of breath, asthma, etc.
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