Charcoal Briquettes: The Promise of Cleaner Fuel And The Hidden Health Risks

Expert Interview: Prof. Felix Wilfred Burari Explains What Happens When Charcoal Waste Becomes Fuel

By Munyal Manunyi

As Nigerians search for cheaper and more sustainable alternatives to conventional cooking fuel, charcoal briquettes are increasingly attracting attention. Made from materials such as charcoal dust and agricultural waste, briquettes offer a way to turn materials often regarded as useless waste into a potentially valuable source of energy.

But how safe are they? Does turning charcoal dust into a compact briquette actually make it cleaner? What determines how much heat a briquette produces or how long it burns? Can every type of waste be safely converted into cooking fuel? And could a poorly produced briquette expose households to dangerous pollutants?

To answer these questions, Munyal Manunyi spoke with Felix Wilfred Burari, Professor of Renewable Energy (Energy Studies), Department of Physics, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

In this interview, Prof. Burari explains the science behind charcoal briquettes, the materials and binders that can be used, the factors that determine their combustion quality, the potential health risks associated with poorly produced briquettes, and the tests consumers should look out for before using them as cooking fuel.

What Happens When Charcoal Dust Is Converted Into A Briquette?

Turning Charcoal dust into a briquette compresses loose waste powder with a binder into a solid shape. This process increases burning time, reduces smoke, and stops dust from blowing away.

Is A Briquette Actually Cleaner Than Conventional Charcoal?

Yes, biofuel and biomass briquettes are generally cleaner and more environmentally sustainable than conventional lump wood charcoal

What Determines Its Burning Quality?

The burning quality of a briquette is determined by its material composition, physical density, moisture content and chemical properties. These factors control how easily a briquette ignites, how much heat it releases and how long it burns etc.

What Makes A Briquette Produce More Or Less Smoke

A briquette produces more smoke when it contains high levels of moisture, volatile matter, chemical binders and when airflow is restricted. Conversely, it produces less smoke when made from fully carbonized pure material with low moisture, natural starch binders and efficient oxygen flow.

What Binder Is Safe For Domestic Cooking?

Natural organic starches and gums are the safest and most efficient binders for domestic cooking briquettes. They burn cleanly without releasing toxic fumes or unpleasant chemical odours into food. Safe natural binders includes: cassava flour or starch, corn or maize starch, gum Arabic and molasses

Can Every Type Of Waste Be Used?

No, not every type of waste can be used to make briquettes. Only carbon-based organic materials that can dry out and compress properly will work. Materials containing high moisture, glass, metal or toxic plastics cannot burn clean or bind together. Materials to be used includes: agricultural waste, wood waste and organic matter

What Are The Health Risks Associated With Poorly Produced Briquettes?

Poorly produced briquettes release dangerous toxic gases like carbon monoxide, high levels of fine particulate matter and harmful chemical residues from low-quality binders. Burning these fuels causes severe indoor air pollution, leading to acute carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic respiratory diseases, lung damage and cardiovascular issues

What Tests Should Consumers Demand Before Using BriCharcoal Briquettes:

Consumers should demand a proximate analysis and binder certification test. This ensures the briquette contains safe, food-grade binders (like natural starch), low moisture, minimal ash, and no toxic chemical accelerants or recycled waste contaminants that can release harmful fumes during cooking.

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