Investigation of the Health Effects of Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution from Aerosol Emission on School Children in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The health effects of exposure of children to indoor and outdoor air pollution from aerosols (particulate matter) at schools in Abakaliki  have been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate how aerosol particles are dispersed within schools in Abakaliki and their  health related issues. The aerosol dataset used for computation and analysis was obtained by direct monitoring and measurement of air  pollution from aerosol emissions at schools in the area of study. From the results, the highest air quality indices (AQIs) values of 360 and  282 for particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) were obtained for outdoor and indoorair pollution at Ogoja Road Primary School. The results obtained also showed that the mean concentrations and air quality indices (AQIs) of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and particulate matter 10 (PM10) were relatively greater during the dry season than during the rainy season, mostly in the school closer to the generating  sources than the schools farther from the sources. Similarly, the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 obtained in the study areas were  greater than the World Health Organization (2021) guidelines for healthy air quality, which, if inhaled, may cause health problems such as  difficulty in breathing and bizarre catarrh in schoolchildren. Additionally, sources such as dust, overcrowded classrooms, school  locations close to busy roads, and combustion sites were the major contributors to air pollution from aerosols in schools at Abakaliki. This  study may aid atmospheric/environmental researchers in monitoring air pollution from aerosols and its associated impacts on our  environment for application to the good health of schoolchildren. These findings can aid policy makers in enacting guidelines and  requirements for establishing new schools. To that effect, a clean environment for the safety and good health of schoolchildren in  Abakaliki and beyond should be ensured.