Work

A Comparative Analysis of Air Quality and Respiratory Health in Under-Five Children from Crude Oil-Impacted Communities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Crude oil spills create environmental hazards, leading to air pollution and respiratory health risks in under-five children due to their developing organs. This study compares ambient air quality (AAQ) and respiratory health (RH) of under-five children in crude oil-impacted and less-impacted communities. The study involved 450 under-five children (mean age: 3 years) from three Niger Delta communities. AAQ was measured using sensors, and RH was assessed through interviewer-administered questionnaires between July and October 2022. Crude oil-related pollutants were significantly higher in oil-impacted communities: Bodo (PM2.5: 21.26 µg/m³; PM10: 38.86 µg/m³; TVOC: 0.76 µg/m³) and Kegbara Dere (PM2.5: 14.60 µg/m³; PM10: 38.52 µg/m³; TVOC: 0.02 µg/m³) compared to the less-impacted Beeri (PM2.5: 6.47 µg/m³; PM10: 11.95 µg/m³; TVOC: 0.00 µg/m³). Respiratory symptoms were more common in impacted areas, with cough prevalence at 75.33% in Bodo, 73.33% in K-Dere, and 54.67% in Beeri. Other symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and frequent sneezing were also more prevalent (p ≤ 0.05). Fever prevalence showed no significant regional difference. Elevated air pollution from crude oil spills correlates with a higher prevalence of respiratory conditions in children from impacted communities, underscoring the need for public health interventions in these areas.

Source: J — Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal

DOI: 10.3390/j8020016

Authors: Pearl Abereton, Best Ordinioha, Jacob Mensah-Attipoe, Oluyemi Toyinbo

Institutions: University of Port Harcourt, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, University of Oulu

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,448