Abstract
Over the past two decades there has been increasing interest in studies of air pollution and its effects on human. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to relate these measures to the degree of air pollution in an urban area (Sapele) and to establish a relationship between peak flow rate and the anthropometric measurements among the respondents in an urban area. Four hundred respondents were administered on the frequency and duration of cough, production of phlegm (viscid mucous secreted in abnormal quantities in respiratory passages and sputum) (saliva discharge from respiratory passages), shortness of breath and occurrence of chest illness. The expiratory flow rate was recorded in a standing position using a mini-Wright peak flow meter (Clements Clarke-London UK). Anthropometric measurements; weight and height were also done.
Highlights
The ubiquity of respiratory morbidity such as bronchial asthma, emphysema, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis appear to have heightened in recent years
The town Sapele is situated in the south-south geopolitical region of Nigeria with a population of about 135,800 (NPC 2005/2006)
It was once an integral part of the old western region of Nigeria. It is presently a part of Delta State of Nigeria created in August 27, 1991, after having been part of the defunct Mid Western State (1963-1976) and the defunct Bendel State (1976-1991)
Summary
The ubiquity of respiratory morbidity such as bronchial asthma, emphysema, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis appear to have heightened in recent years. A change in the genetic predisposition can snowball into allergic symptoms. This change in gene can be influenced by change in the environmental components. The average adult may require about 14 Kilograms of air each day compared with less than 1.4 Kilogram of food and about 2 Kilograms of water. Compared with the other necessities of life, obligatory continuous consumption is a unique property of air. The insensible intimate inter-penetration of air which flows in and out from the lungs gives to all pollution its essential importance
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