Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: October-December | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 128-133
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20221017
Measurement of Air Pollutant levels and the Occurrence of Environmental Lung Diseases in Umuahia Metropolis, Southeastern Nigeria
Offiah, A.U.1, Amadi, A.N.2, Azuamah, Y.C.3, Igwe, F.E.1, Onyesom, E.1
1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Nigeria
2Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
3Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Corresponding Author: Offiah, A.U.
ABSTRACT
Exposure to air pollutants can result to environmental lung diseases. This study was a cross-sectional study carried out at Umuahia metropolis, South-Eastern Nigeria to measure the level of outdoor air pollutants and assess the occurrence of environmental lung diseases among residents. An informed consent was obtained from all the participants in the study. Gas meters were used to measure the level of air pollutants at various outdoor locations and a well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the residents. Results showed that the CO level in ppm was 182 at GPS location 5.52491N and 7.49460E; 181 at 5.52480N and 7.49226E; 183 at 5.52071N and 7.49603E; 186 at 5.52466N and 7.49711E; 190 at 5.52413N and 7.49488E; 185 at 5.52164N and 7.49491E. The SO2 level in μg/m3 was 470 at GPS location 5.52491N and 7.49460E; 512 at 5.52480N and 7.49226E; 492 at 5.52071N and 7.49603E; 480 at 5.52466N and 7.49711E; 504 at 5.52413N and 7.49488E; 552 at 5.52164N and 7.49491E. SPM levels in μg/m3 was 1948 at GPS location 5.52491N and 7.49460E; 1915 at 5.52480N and 7.49226E; 1939 at 5.52071N and 7.49603E; 1955 at 5.52466N and 7.49711E; 1920 at 5.52413N and 7.49488E; 1963 at 5.52164N and 7.49491E. The mean CO value was 184.44±3.27; mean SO2 was 501.62±29.02; mean SPM was 1940±19.20. The CO, SO2 and SPM levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) than normal levels. The distribution of the respiratory complaints by the residents were coughing, 74(50.68%); sneezing, 83(56.85%); catarrh, 46(31.51%); asthma, 28(19.18%); short breath, 36(24.66%); pneumonia, 19(13.01%); wheezing, 67(45.89%); dizziness, 49(33.56%); breathing difficulty, 62(42.47%). Public enlightenment on the gaseous pollutants present at work places and possible health effects was recommended.
Keywords: Pollutants, Carbon Monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, Suspended Particulate Matter, Asthma, Pneumonia