Abstract:
This research work aims to quantify the concentrations of carbon oxides and the perceived effects
on human health. Vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to ambient pollution, especially
in urban areas. Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, presents a unique opportunity to investigate the impact
of transport-related pollution because of lack of industry and other major sources of pollution.
Pre-test observations of the study locations was done for a month before selecting the sampled
areas. These are areas where there are heavy flow (Ilesa-Garage, Oja-Oba, and Alagbaka), and low
flow of vehicles (FUTA and Ijapo-Estate). CO2 and CO concentrations were measured in the
selected areas. Avergaing of the measured concentrations of carbon oxides at 15 minutes, 30
minutes, 1 hour and 8 hourly interval was done using easy fit. The study further checked for
exceedance of WHO and EPA threshold values.
A survey on perceived health status and air quality was also carried out for 650 respondents to link
measured concentrations to health effects.
Oja-Oba junction has the highest vehicular emission of the sites measured, closely followed by
Alagbaka round-about, and the least being at Ijapo-Estate. The reported health problems were very
high for respondents in the more densely populated areas than in the less densely populated areas,
with 75% (n=265) of individuals residing or working in the densely populated areas listing at least
one symptom. The highest prevalence of pollution related disease was reported for dizziness 67%
(n=190), followed by headache (66%), and shortness of breath (57%). The lowest prevalence was
reported for cardiovascular (3%), asthma attack and respiratory disease (7%).
Based on the result in this research, without intervention, it is likely that air quality will only
deteriorate as the city continues to grow.
