1.0 Chapter one

Introduction

1.1.             Background to the study

The greatest single environmental health danger in the world is air pollution (WHO, 2023). According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, urban air pollution causes about 800,000 deaths and 4.6 million lost life years annually worldwide (WHO, 2016). By definition, an air pollution is any substance which may harm humans, animals, vegetation or material (Kampas and Castanas, 2018). Since the dirty air travels great distances and is almost unavoidable, urban residents are becoming increasingly concerned about it. Consequently, it is thought to be a key risk factor for a number of illnesses, including as cancer, lower respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease, which account for a larger portion of deaths (Ife, 2018). As a result of urbanisation, rising industrialisation, rising car ownership, and ongoing use of solid fuels for home energy, air quality has significantly deteriorated globally in recent years (Petcova et al., 2023). Due to its unstable power supply, Nigeria, a growing country, is progressively bearing the dual burden of increasing urbanisation and exposure to outdoor air pollution emissions from cars, factories, and a high number of power producing units (Ademola, and Ibem, 2022). Additionally, these contaminants are released as gas and particle matter (Türk, and Kavraz, 2021).

Moreover, dust particles are a common kind of pollution in urban air environments because of large-scale materials, particularly motorbike (Okada) riders and their passengers, as well as people who reside near congested traffic regions (Nwachukwu and Ugwuanyi, 2022). Furthermore, it is well recognised that wealth, services, and money are concentrated in cities. As a result, the majority of polluting activities are associated with energy use (Fisher et al., 2016). Furthermore, in addition to being the main cause of air pollution in metropolitan areas brought on by an overindulgence in fossil fuels, particularly petrol, diesel, and solid fuels, air pollutants are well recognised for lowering visibility and, in severe circumstances, interfering with air travel (Adeleke et al., 2021). Maybe when extra UV radiation from the sun is filtered from the earth's surface, particle matter tends to build blankets that protect the land from the warming sunlight. According to public health viewpoints, the chemicals released have been linked to lung and heart conditions, as well as lung cancer (AIM, 2021). Report by Antai, and Moradi, (2022), have shown that urban populations are more likely to be densely populated, to have greater air pollution levels, and to be exposed to other dangerous substances. These factors have been linked to an increased risk of infectious diseases and mortality. As a result, there are several negative consequences of exposure to these pollutants on human health, such as neurological, respiratory, cardiac, and vascular problems (Katsouyanni, 2019). In addition, children are more exposed to infection, because they are generally more active outdoors and their lungs are still developing (Kulshrestha, 2015). In addition, a number of issues, such as respiratory issues and eye irritations, are common among city dwellers (Hao et al., 2017). Hence, it is clearly obvious that the greater the concentration of people in one area, the greater the amount of pollution and the higher the risk of air pollution related illness (David, 2019). It is based on the above fact that this study examines air pollutants and its adverse effect on human health. Furthermore, some control measures were identified and recommendation to address these challenges was highlighted

1.2 Statement of Problem

Numerous acute and long-term impacts on the human respiratory system are caused by air pollution. Respiratory illnesses were blamed for over 4 million fatalities worldwide between 2020 and 2023. Because many chronic diseases, including cancer, have extended latent periods, adult exposure to air pollution can have detrimental and irreversible consequences on the respiratory system.In light of this, it appeared vital to evaluate the health of locals in areas where air pollution levels are still significantly higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). In Nigeria, air pollution is considered a severe issue. The large cities have the dubious distinction of being among Nigeria's most polluted. In Nigeria's biggest cities, road traffic accounts for 72% of air pollution, followed by industrial emissions (20%) and emissions from domestic activities (8%). Another significant source of air pollution in the city is soil resuspension. Without a doubt, the aforementioned will negatively impact the local population's health.. Accordingly, the study reported here was undertaken to Assessment Of Air Pollutant On Human Health

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The major purpose of the study is to Assessment Of Air Pollutant On Human Health. Other specific objectives of the study are;

i) to examine the impact of Sulphur Dioxide on human health among residents of Port Harcourt

ii) to examine the impact of  Nitrogen Dioxide on human health among residents of Port Harcourt

ii)To outline the sources of Air Pollution In Urban Nigerian Cities

iv) To recommend Air Pollution Control Measures in improving Human health among residents of Port Harcourt

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i) What is the impact of Sulphur Dioxide on human health among residents of Port Harcourt?

ii) what is the impact of  Nitrogen Dioxide on human health among residents of Port Harcourt?

iii) What are  the sources of Air Pollution In Urban Nigerian Cities?

iv) what are  Air Pollution Control Measures in improving Human health among residents of Port Harcourt?

1.5 HYPOTHESIS

HO1: There is no significant impact of air pollution on Human health

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Understanding Risks: Air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃) can cause a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to cardiovascular diseases. Assessing these pollutants helps identify and quantify the health risks associated with exposure.

Preventive Measures: By understanding the specific health impacts of various pollutants, public health authorities can implement targeted interventions and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Education: Studies on air pollution and health effects raise public awareness about the importance of air quality and encourage healthier behaviors, such as reducing car usage or supporting cleaner energy sources.

1.7 Scope of Study

The study is restricted to the Assessment OfAir-Pollutant On Human Health. The study is delimited to staff of Ministry of Health Rivers state.

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION

HUMAN HEALTH: Human health, defined as the complete state of physical, social, and mental well-being and not merely the absence of illness, disease, or infirmity, is as vital a resource as water, food, or energy.

AIR POLLUTANT: Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.