Spatial patterns of gas flaring stations and the risk to the respiratory and dermal health of residents of the Niger Delta, Nigeria

• DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00762
• Publication Date: 2021-04-21T06:40:05Z
• Authors: M.C. Nwosisi; O. Oguntoke; A.M. Taiwo; I.E. Agbozu; E.J. Noragbon
• Keywords: Niger delta; Eye irritation

This study assessed the health risk for respiratory and dermal related conditions as a result of residents’ exposure to air emissions from gas flaring stations (GFS). The spatial patterns GFS were evaluated. Air pollutants eight monitored medical data obtained six primary care centres that are in proximity GFS. Additionally, well-structured questionnaire was administered 200 residents vicinity. Nearest neighbor analysis SPSS Windows (version 21.0) used analyze obtained. exhibited clustered configuration. concentration varied significantly (p = 0.001 – 0.018) dry wet seasons. NO2 PM10 higher than WHO permissible limit. Respiratory dermal-related ailments accounted about 21.1 76.3% entire hospital visits; most frequent eye irritation chest pain. There steady increase (r2 0.01–0.78) reported cases ailment 2013 2016. Strong associations (r -0.877–0.831; r2 0.238 0.892; p < 0.05) existed among diseases. In conclusion, shows at high issues their continuous flaring. A reduction volume flared wearing nose masks by vulnerable is highly recommended.