Transport related air pollution and its implications on public health along selected road corridors in lagos metropolis, nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the ambient air quality caused by vehicular emission and its implications on the public health around major roadways in Lagos metropolis Nigeria. Field data on vehicular volumes and mix were collected for three months in the morning, afternoon, and evening peak periods for the five (5) selected major routes. Concurrently, air pollutants from vehicles were measured by portable gas detectors on the routes. Questionnaires were administered to the respondent near the routes to investigate the implications of exposure on their health. The concentration level of the air pollutants is highest between 8-9 am morning peak periods and lowest between 12-1 pm afternoon periods. The ambient air quality is polluted on all the studied routes and revealed a strong correlation (p<0.05) between pollutants concentration and traffic flow. The questionnaire results also showed that 74% of the sampled respondents around the corridor suffered from chest pain, frequent cough, nose running and sneezing, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, body weakness, fatigue, eye irritation, loss of appetite, headache, and fast breathing of which 6% of children and 54% of women were the most susceptible. The study recommended measures for the reduction of the negative impacts on ambient air quality and public health in developing African cities