Abstract

One of the main environmental health challenges affecting people in low-middle and high-income nations is air pollution. Ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM10) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are among the most dangerous air pollutants affecting human health in major cities. Urbanisation and human activities such as emissions from automobiles, industries, and waste management are major sources of O3, PM10 and NOx. Given the trend of economic development in most developing countries and climate change, Nigeria stands at risk of poor air quality due to O3, PM10 and NOx pollution. These air pollutants can cause irreversible damage to the lungs with greater effects on people with underlying issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The effects of air pollution on COPD and asthma have been a growing concern in Abuja, where the concentration of O3, PM10 and NOx are often above WHO guidelines.
This research explores the effects of photochemical smog on respiratory health, evaluating the effects of ozone (O3), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10), focusing on the city of Abuja, Nigeria. This type of air pollution is due to the rapid increase in urbanisation. Photochemical smog is associated with the excessive use of automobiles, air-conditioners, generators, and various earthenware ovens. Its effects are observed on multiple respiratory health conditions in humans, such as a painful irritation of the respiratory system, reduced lung function, asthma, breathing difficulties and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of O3, PM10 and NOx on respiratory health patients in Abuja, Nigeria. To achieve this, a novel approach was used, which allowed prospective cohort study design. A cohort of 402 COPD and asthma patients was recruited from two government-owned hospitals in Abuja. SGRQ was use at the initial stage and a new questionnaire was developed from SGRQ because SGRQ was not accepted. Therefore, symptom questionnaires (modified version of SGRQ), daily diaries and dyspnoea scale and measurement of lung function using spirometry were used to obtain health data. Corresponding O3, NOx and PM10 data were obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency monitoring site at Abuja for the period of study. However, O3, monitor was bought during the research and supply to NIMET. NOx and PM10 was monitored for 16 months (June 2016 and September 2017) while O3 was monitored for 12 months (January 2018- December 2018). Symptoms of the patients were kept using a daily dairy for four months: two months during the dry season and two months during the wet season. Bivariate correlation and ANOVA was used to determine the association between the changes in concentration of pollutants, meteorological conditions and respiratory conditions of the cohort. Multiple regression was used to determine the combined effect of NOx and PM10, O3 and meteorological conditions on the COPD and asthma patients.
The findings from the study presented strong negative correlation between NOx and PM10, O3 and COPD and asthma patients. Humidity, temperature and wind play a significant role in exacerbations of asthma and COPD. The direction of the correlation found for these meteorological variables indicates that their role is of a combined nature, rather than independent of each other, leading to significant changes in respiratory symptoms of COPD and asthma patients associated with high concentration of the pollutants. The deleterious effect of air pollution on respiratory wellbeing of COPD and asthma patients was also confirmed. Particulate matter showed the strongest effect on symptoms in COPD. Finally, the results from the research provide evidence of increased respiratory symptoms.
The effects of O3, NOx and PM10on COPD and asthma is concern in Abuja, where the concentration of O3, PM10 and NOx are above WHO guidelines. The underlying association between O3, NOx and PM10, and COPD and asthma patient is evident in this study because air pollution is the air, we breathe in poor air quality environment. As observed in this study O3, NOx and PM10, affects the symptoms, breathlessness(dyspnoea) and lung function (FVC and FEV1) of COPD and asthma patients. Also, the interaction between meteorological conditions and air pollution has an adverse effect on respiratory health of COPD and asthma patients.
In conclusion, this research explores the effects of photochemical smog on respiratory health, evaluating the effects of ozone (O3), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10), focusing on the city of Abuja, Nigeria. This study demonstrated that there is an adverse effect of O3, NOx and PM10, in asthma and COPD. Thus, these results strengthen the idea that poor air quality is severe in developing countries and lead to higher health risks, especially with the potential effect of climate change. Thus, the outcome of this study can be used by policy makers and public health professionals to inform decision making relating to management of air pollution.