Particulate Matter Pollution and Health Status of Residents in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: An Assessment - Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted to assess the impact of particulate matter pollution on the health status of residents in Bayelsa State in order to proffer recommendations. Methods: The study adopted a mixed research strategy involving both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. The study utilized a crosssectional research design using a field survey of two communities, namely Agbura and Otuasega. The sampling method was a multi-stage sampling technique used in sampling 393 respondents for the quantitative data collection by questionnaire. Eight key informants chosen by purposive sampling were interviewed. A focus group discussion was also conducted with 10 participants. Results: Among the study’s key findings are that particulate matter pollution is high in Bayelsa State, and the citizens are aware of its occurrence but have poor knowledge of what it is. Respiratory, eye, and skin problems are direct effects, while increased hospitalizations, loss of man-hours, and increased out-of pocket expenditures are indirect effects. Laws, regulatory institutional frameworks, and policies to tackle the problem are scare tactics leading to widespread illegal refinery activities. Furthermore, equipment and regulatory standards for the routine measurement of particulate matter are scant. Enlightenment of the affected communities’ citizens regarding the particulate matter is rare. Conclusion and Recommendations: Poverty and a high unemployment rate are the major problems that led residents of the area to engage in illegal artisanal refinery activities. Hence, there is a need to set up an all-inclusive institutional framework on particulate matter pollution, intensify regular measurement and information dissemination activities, and engage in public-private partnerships to establish modular refineries.