PARTICULATE MATTER, SELF -REPORTED RISK FACTORS AND HEALTH EFFECTS

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the levels of particulate matter exposure and the associated risk factors and respiratory health effects among residents living close to the Ikhueniro dumpsite located in Benin City. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity and wind speed) were assessed in three sampling locations within the dumpsite, twice daily for a period of eight weeks; May to July 2023 using a handheld air quality monitor device. A well- designed questionnaire was administered to 104 residents living near the dumpsite. The measured parameters ranged between; 27.40 - 29.55°C and 29.63- 31.86°C (Temperature), 68.50 - 72.33% and 58.38 - 67.75% (relative humidity), 0.75 - 0.94m/s and 1.50 -1.70m/s (wind speed), 27.83 - 29.75 µg/m3 and 16.54 - 22.33 µg/m3 (PM2.5), and 35.75 - 37.63 µg/m3 and 20.50 - 28.00 µg/m3 in the morning and afternoon sampling respectively. For morning data, PM2.5 and PM10 respectively significantly correlated negatively and weakly with the temperature and wind speed (R=-0.727 and -0.473; p<0.01) and (R=-0.731 and -0.501; p<0.01), and was correlated positively and strongly with the relative humidity (R=0.756; p<0.01) and (R=0.747; p<0.01). For afternoon readings, levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were only correlated significantly with wind speed. Smoking status was an independent determinant of coughing (OR 4.67, CL:1.401-15.503, P=0.012) and Chest tightness among the respondents (OR 6.91, CL: 2.309-20.609, P=0.010). Regular collection of waste at the dumpsite was also found to be a significant risk factor for skin rashes (OR 24.27; CL: 2.527-233.444, p=0.006).