Air Pollutants Exposure and the Occurrence of Respiratory Diseases among Residents of Ogbomoso Metropolis

Abstract

Background/Aim: Air pollution is a major environmental threat and a risk factor for both acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The current surge in the cases of chronic diseases require an investigation of environmental contributors. This study examined the association between air pollutants and respiratory diseases occurrence in Ogbomoso Metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: The concentrations of Carbon dioxide (CO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and meteorological parameters (relative humidity, temperature, pressure, wind speed and direction) were measured using Aeroqual gas meter and Windmate respectively at eighty locations in the study area. Information on recorded cases of respiratory health problems were obtained from a State hospital in the study area. Results: The concentrations of CO2, SO2, CO, H2S, VOC, PM2.5 and PM10 ranged between 2351±127.1 and 1435±439; 0.7417±0.6554 and 0.1375±0.1245; 45.79±50.48 and 17.67±21.62; 0.7±0.4075 and 0.2833±0.0916; 149±135.1 and 39.83±19.26; 151.5±188.9 and 27.79±5.618; 576.7±943.4 and 109.8±31.98 μg/m3 respectively. Mean concentrations of CO (17- 45 μg/m3), PM2.5 (27-151 μg/m3) and PM10 (109-576 μg/m3) were significantly higher than the WHO permissible limits while others were below the allowable limits. There are significant variations (p<0.05) in the concentrations of all the sampled gases and meteorological parameters in the various locations. Respiratory health problems reported to hospitals between 2015-2019 included upper respiratory tract infection (42.13%), respiratory tract infection (35.56%) and cough (6.25%) among others out of 1600 cases. Conclusion: As demonstrated by the findings of this study, exposure to air pollutants contribute significantly to occurrence of respiratory diseases.