Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Osuntogun, B.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Koku, C.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
A study of the impacts of urban road transportation on the ambient air and the health of residents of some heavily trafficked locations-eight in Lagos metropolis, four in Ibadan and four in Ado-Ekiti-were carried out. Also, two locations in Lagos, one in Ibadan and one in Ado-Ekiti were used as control. Air quality indicators namely carbon-monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and total suspended particulates were estimated using automatic air monitors. The noise levels at these locations were also determined with a noise meter. The highest levels obtained for the air pollution indicators in Lagos were CO-232 ppm at Idumota; SO2-2.9 ppm at Idumota; NO2-1.5 ppm at Iyana-Ipaja bus stop; total suspended particulates 852 cpm at Oshodi bus stop. At Ibadan, the CO and SO2 levels at 271 and 1.4 ppm were, respectively highest at Mokola round about while NO2 at 1.0 ppm was highest at Bere round about. In Ado-Ekiti, the highest levels obtained were CO-317 at Oke Isha, NO2-0.6 ppm at Ijigbo junction and SO2-0.8 ppm at Old Garage junction. The recorded noise levels were 112.8 dB at Oshodi bus stop in Lagos, 120 dB at Iwo road in Ibadan and 115 dB at Old Garage junction, Ado-Ekiti. The blood samples of people at these high trafficked locations such as the commercial drivers, conductors, street traders and road traffic wardens were also analysed for lead content with a resultant high Pb concentration. Responses to interviews indicate that these people suffer from air pollution related diseases such as headaches, loss of vision, anaemia, forgetfulness and fatigue than those from the control locations. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.
Air pollutants; Air pollution indicators; Blood lead levels; Commercial drivers; Noise levels; Particulates; Quality indicators; Total suspended particulates; Air pollution control; Air quality; Blood pressure; Bus terminals; Disease control; Garages (parking); Lead; Sulfur dioxide; Urban transportation; Nitrogen oxides