Monitoring Air Pollution: Nigeria's Practical Guide

Nigeria is a rapidly growing country undergoing significant changes, including a rising population and an influx of industries, multinational corporations, and businesses. These developments have led to a noticeable and dangerous increase in air pollution, which has garnered local and international attention due to its far-reaching consequences. While Nigeria has shown some improvements in air quality in recent years, it still ranks 152nd out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index for Air Quality, and three of the ten most polluted cities in the world are in Nigeria. This issue is of particular concern due to the growing number of health issues and deaths attributed to air pollution in the country. To address this pressing problem, Nigeria must embrace cleaner technology and work towards reducing the use of fossil fuels. Various organizations offer real-time air pollution data and maps for Nigeria, and the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in the country also monitor air quality and provide health messaging through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Real-time air pollution monitoring

Nigeria's air quality is a growing concern, with the country ranking 152nd out of 180 countries for air quality on the Environmental Performance Index. The country's rapid economic and population growth, alongside the rise of industries, corporations, and businesses, have led to a dangerous increase in air pollution.

One example of a real-time monitoring system is the PurpleAir PA-II sensor, which has been deployed in various regions to provide accurate air quality readings. These sensors measure particulate pollution (PM2.5), temperature, humidity, and pressure, and their data can be integrated into applications for monitoring and analyzing air quality trends.

Another option for real-time air pollution monitoring is the GAIA air quality monitor, which requires only a WiFi access point and a USB-compatible power supply. Once connected, users can instantly access real-time air pollution levels on maps and through APIs.

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria utilize reference-grade Air Quality Monitors to measure airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This data is used to develop an Air Quality Index (AQI) value, which assists in making health-related decisions.

By employing these real-time monitoring systems, Nigeria can better address its air pollution challenges and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.

Air quality index (AQI)

Nigeria has some of the highest levels of unhealthy air quality on the African continent. A 2018 report estimated that over 11,200 premature deaths were the direct result of poor air quality, with 60% of those deaths being children under the age of five.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a way of communicating the levels of air pollution and the associated health effects of breathing polluted air. The AQI is calculated by taking into account several different pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5), which is a major component of the overall AQI. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, and due to its small size, it can easily penetrate the lungs, causing a large increase in health risks. Other pollutants used to calculate the AQI include nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone.

The AQI is typically reported as a number on a scale from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating worse air quality and increased health concerns. An AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality with little potential to affect public health, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set targets for PM2.5 levels, and in 2018, it was found that the levels in Lagos were over seven times the recommended figure.

The AQI in Nigeria is monitored by various organisations, including the US Embassy and Consulate, which use reference-grade Air Quality Monitors to measure PM2.5 levels and provide air quality index information and health messaging from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has developed a formula to convert PM2.5 readings into an AQI value, which can assist in making health-related decisions. Additionally, organisations such as Prana Air and GAIA offer air quality monitoring solutions and real-time air pollution maps for Nigeria.

Air pollution sources

Nigeria is a rapidly developing country in Western Africa, with a large population and a growing economy. This growth has led to a noticeable rise in air pollution, which has garnered local and international attention due to its severe health impacts.

There are various sources of air pollution in Nigeria, which can be broadly categorised into indoor and outdoor sources.

Indoor Air Pollution Sources

Indoor air pollution, especially in homes, is a significant issue in Nigeria and is the biggest driver of child deaths from pneumonia in the country. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of household air pollution-related pneumonia deaths among children under five in the world. In 2019, 49,591 children under five died from pneumonia related to indoor air pollution.

Indoor air pollution is often caused by the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating, such as wood, charcoal, or animal dung, which produce harmful pollutants when burned. These fuels are often burned in inefficient stoves or fireplaces, leading to inadequate ventilation and a build-up of pollutants indoors.

Outdoor Air Pollution Sources

Outdoor air pollution in Nigeria is attributed to various factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and open burning. Cars and other vehicles release significant amounts of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and black carbon, which is the main component of soot and a known carcinogen. Black carbon not only poses health risks but also affects the environment by absorbing solar radiation and converting it into heat, contributing to climate change.

Additionally, factories and open burn sites contribute to outdoor air pollution by burning fossil fuels, organic matter, and synthetic materials. This burning releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, furans, and heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.

The rapid industrialisation and increase in multinational corporations and businesses in Nigeria have likely exacerbated these outdoor air pollution sources.

Monitoring Air Pollution

Monitoring air pollution levels is crucial to understanding the extent and impact of the problem. Organisations like the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are working to record air quality data. Their air quality monitors measure fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to assess the air quality index (AQI) and provide health-related information.

Nigeria's ranking on the Environmental Performance Index for Air Quality is 152nd out of 180 countries, underscoring the urgency of addressing air pollution sources and improving air quality in the country.

Air pollution health effects

Nigeria is undergoing massive changes to its infrastructure, economy, and population, leading to a noticeable and dangerously prominent rise in air pollution. This has been causing a growing number of health issues and deaths over the years.

Air pollution is a mixture of tiny bits of solids and liquids in the air, which we breathe into our bodies. These particles enter our bloodstream and can cause serious health issues, especially to vulnerable groups. These groups include children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease. People with low incomes are also more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution due to proximity to industrial sources of pollution and fewer resources to relocate or access quality healthcare.

The health effects of air pollution are wide-ranging and can include respiratory and cardiovascular issues, such as coughing, itchy eyes, and breathing problems. It can also worsen pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. In the long term, exposure to air pollution has been linked to lung cancer and even premature death.

Ozone, a powerful lung irritant, is another dangerous air pollutant. When inhaled, it reacts with the lining of the small airways, causing inflammation and damage that can impact multiple body systems. Even short-term exposure to ozone can cause serious respiratory symptoms, including chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Nigeria monitor air quality by measuring airborne fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). This data is used to calculate an Air Quality Index (AQI) value, which assists in making health-related decisions. An AQI value of 50 represents good air quality, while a value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality.

Air pollution control measures

Nigeria has been facing a prominent air pollution problem, which has been causing a growing number of health issues and deaths over the years. In 2016, the country recorded 150 fatalities per 100,000 people due to air pollution, the highest number of deaths in Africa and ranking fourth globally. The main sources of air pollution in Nigeria are generator fumes, automobile emissions, crop burning, and indoor sources such as kerosene stoves, firewood, and coal.

To address this issue, Nigeria has implemented various air pollution control measures:

• In 2014, the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulation was established to monitor ambient air quality by acquiring equipment and generating accurate data.
• Nigeria has been a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) since 2012, receiving funding for projects to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).
• In 2019, the National Council of Ministers approved Nigeria's National Action Plan to Reduce SLCPs, aiming for an 83% reduction in black carbon emissions and a 61% reduction in methane emissions by 2030.
• Nigeria's 2021 NDC update includes emissions reduction targets for carbon, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrous oxides (NOx).
• The country is also addressing indoor air pollution, as levels of fine particulate matter in homes exceed guidelines by a significant amount.
• The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria monitor air quality using reference-grade equipment, providing valuable data for health-related decisions.
• Nigeria is also working on mapping fires in sub-Saharan Africa, which will help the government and agriculture stakeholders make targeted mitigation efforts.

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