Climate Evidence: Chorkor fishmongers trapped between livelihood and harmful smoke exposure
Chorkor fishmongers are trapped between their livelihood and harmful smoke exposure. The author visited a fishmongering hub in Chorkor to see how smoked herrings are made and experienced thick smoke that stung their eyes and tightened their chest. Doris Mensah, 27, said, "I was born into this fish processing business. My great-grandmother started it, my grandmother continued, and my mother too. In fact, my entire family depends on this work. Through this business, I have been through school."
The smoke causes irritation and sleepless nights for Doris and others. Mantee said that the smoke affects their eyes, burns, and makes them tear, and doctors at the hospital say it is because of the smoke. The smoke carries fine particulate matter and toxic compounds linked to serious health conditions, including cancer. Dr. Richard Bright Danyoh, a paediatrician at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, said, "Whilst you are smoking that fish, you are taking in two packs of cigarettes every day."
Dr. Danyoh warns that pregnancy complications may have roots in everyday exposure to polluted household or workplace air. He said, "Sometimes you have a mother who comes in with a low birth weight baby, and you are not sure what could have caused it. It might be happening from the kitchen."
Quick Summary
Fishmongers in Chorkor are caught in a bind, as their traditional livelihood exposes them to harmful smoke. The constant exposure has serious health implications - especially for women and children.
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