Ambient air pollution and its influence on human health and welfare: an overview

Human health is closely related to his environment. The influence of exposure to air pollutants on human health and well-being has been an interesting subject and gained much volume of research over the last 50 years. In general, polluted air is considered one of the major factors leading to many diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease and lung cancer for the people. Besides, air pollution adversely affects the animals and deteriorates the plant environment. The overarching objective of this review is to explore the previous researches regarding the causes and sources of air pollution, how to control it and its detrimental effects on human health. The definition of air pollution and its sources were introduced extensively. Major air pollutants and their noxious effects were detailed. Detrimental impacts of air pollution on human health and well-being were also presented.

Air Pollution Monitoring Around Residential and Transportation Sector Locations in Lagos Mainland

BACKGROUND

Industrialization and urbanization, while associated with increased productivity, are also potential causes of increased air pollution. Urban air quality has the potential to affect the health and wellbeing of residents of urban areas.

OBJECTIVES

The present study investigated the levels of air pollutants around residential areas and transport sector locations (TSLs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Residential areas were defined as areas around inner streets and living quarters, while TSLs included busy roads, dual carriage roads, bus stops and major car parks in the Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos Mainland, Lagos, Nigeria.

METHODS

Air quality parameters were assessed in situ using calibrated hand-held devices at selected residential and TSLs. Each sampling location was geo-referenced and concentrations of the various parameters were used to plot distribution maps.

RESULTS

The findings from the monitoring exercise showed that levels of the measured air pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), noise, temperature and humidity were within the ranges of 1.00 - 6.0 5.97 ppm, 43.345.2 - 127.2159.7 μg/m³, 20.3 23.25 - 69.058.16 μg/m³, 0.0 0 - 0.20.17 ppm, 47.7 50 - 65 70.1 dB, 26.2227.2 - 35.536.7°C and 57.0157.6 - 91.8492.3%, respectively, around residential areas. Values of the measured air pollutants at the TSLs ranged as follows: 2.011.0 - 5.397.7 ppm, 103.3360.7 - 179.77404.0 μg/m³, 50.2832.3 - 91.01184.0 μg/m³, 0.00 - 0.40 ppm, 64.2153.1 - 71.1376.3 dB, 27.1826.2 -27.9332.6°C and 60.3660.0 - 75.0178.0%, respectively. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), ammonia (NH₃), nitrogen oxide (NO₂) were below detection limits in both sampling locations while volatile organic carbons (VOCs) ranged from 0.00 - 0.10 ppm in the TSLs.

DISCUSSION

Most assessed air quality parameters were significantly higher around bus stops (P < 0.05), except for CO and humidity. In addition, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The results indicated that the quality of air (particulate matter) in the study area was poor, especially in the TSLs.

CONCLUSIONS

The Federal Ministry of Environment, through its relevant agencies, must create policies to address urban air pollution, taking into consideration long term exposures and people that are most vulnerable within the population.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.