The Respiratory Effects of Chronic Exposure to Gas Faring Among Residents of Some Communities in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.

Autor:	Ekwere EM; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo, Uyo. Email: aidee_a2@yahoo.com., Umoh IO; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo, Uyo. Email: aidee_a2@yahoo.com., Peters GE; Department of Nursing Science, University of Uyo, Uyo., Udo AI; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo, Uyo. Email: aidee_a2@yahoo.com., Effiong AE; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo, Uyo. Email: aidee_a2@yahoo.com., Peters EJ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo, Uyo. Email: aidee_a2@yahoo.com., Bandele EA; Formerly, Department of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	West African journal of medicine [West Afr J Med] 2024 May 31; Vol. 41 (5), pp. 606-612.
Abstrakt:	Background: This study presents the pattern of respiratory effects seen among residents chronically exposed to gas flaring in some communities in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. The other health challenges associated with this chronic exposure to gas were also evaluated in the study. Methods: A total of three hundred and eighty-six 386 adult residents in Ibeno, Niger Delta Region who have been residents for at least two years. Four hundred and fourteen (414) age, sex, and height-matched control unexposed residents in Etinan were recruited for a cross-sectional survey study comparing their respiratory symptoms and other related health challenges. Past and current smokers were excluded from the study in both groups. The study was conducted using a questionnaire as the investigative tool. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Most of the respondents in both exposed and control communities were aged 18-30 years, with a height range of 161-170 cm. Both exposed and control subjects experienced similar symptoms suggestive of respiratory disorders, however, the prevalence was significantly higher among exposed subjects than controls: Cough 57(14.8%) vs. 39(10.1%); breathlessness 58(15%) vs. 28(7.3); wheezing 22(5.7) vs. 12(3.1). The respondents from the exposed community were mostly traders and fishermen while the controls were predominantly farmers. Conclusion: There is substantial evidence from the data presented that prolonged exposure to air pollution from gas flaring has significant respiratory and other health implications on residents in these communities reflected as increased frequency of symptoms of cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, Skin and eye irritation. There is therefore an urgent need for intensified efforts and commitment by the government to speed up the implementation of policies regarding the reduction of flaring of natural gas associated with oil production and the adoption of measures to mitigate the effect of the exposure on human health. Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists (Copyright © 2024 by West African Journal of Medicine.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
Externí odkaz:	Zobrazit plný text záznamu