Chad's Air Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Chad has some of the most polluted air in the world. According to the 2022 World Air Quality Report, the country's air quality shows levels of pollutants 17 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline. This is a significant issue, as exposure to air pollution can cause and aggravate several health conditions, including asthma, cancer, lung illnesses, heart disease, and premature mortality. While data collection in Chad is limited, with information being gathered from a single monitoring point in the city of N'Djamena, the available data suggests that emissions contributing to air pollution are largely derived from open waste burning, residential wood combustion, and Savannah burning. Fugitive petrol emissions have also been identified as a primary source of short-lived climate pollutants, greenhouse gases, and atmospheric pollutants. To address these issues, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Fishing of Chad is working to develop an integrated emission inventory of greenhouse gases, short-lived climate pollutants, and air pollutants, with the support of international initiatives.

Fugitive petrol emissions

Fugitive emissions refer to the unintentional release of gases or vapours into the atmosphere from industrial processes, equipment, or infrastructure. They are caused by defective equipment, such as valves and pipes, and the migration of gases from faulty fossil fuel wells or mines. The primary sources of fugitive emissions are the extraction and transport of oil and gas, although coal mining and transportation also contribute. These emissions can include greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds.

In 2016, the oil and gas industry was responsible for 85% of all fugitive emissions, with the remaining 15% coming from the coal sector and a fraction of a percent from other industries. Fugitive emissions are difficult to calculate and measure due to the large number of potential leak sources and the challenges in detecting and repairing leaks. They are often overlooked by companies and considered a blind spot in global emissions reduction plans. However, they contribute significantly to air pollution and can cause environmental and health hazards. For example, emissions of volatile organic compounds from oil refineries and chemical plants pose long-term health risks to workers and nearby communities.

Fugitive emissions also occur at evaporative sources, such as wastewater treatment ponds and storage tanks. They can be released during the extraction, production, processing, storage, transportation, and distribution of various substances, including fossil fuels. The build-up of man-made halogenated gases over the past few decades has contributed significantly to global climate change. The banking of these gases within consumer appliances, industrial systems, and abandoned equipment will likely result in future emissions.

New technologies are being developed to improve the detection and monitoring of fugitive emissions. For example, differential absorption lidar (DIAL) can remotely measure hydrocarbon concentration profiles in the atmosphere surrounding a facility. A pilot study in 2005 found that a refinery's emissions were fifteen times higher than previously reported using the emission factor approach. While gas flaring is sometimes considered a separate issue from fugitive emissions, it is worth noting that it is the burning of released pressurised gas to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas facilities.

While I could not find specific information on the causes of air pollution in Chad, it is worth noting that Chad ranks first out of 138 countries in terms of air pollution in 2024. This suggests that the country faces significant air quality challenges that may be due to various factors, including industrial activities, transportation, and natural sources. Fugitive petrol emissions, as discussed above, could be a contributing factor to air pollution in Chad, especially if there are oil and gas or coal extraction and transportation activities in the country.

Open waste burning

The Engineering X Global Review on Safer End of Engineered Life warns that the open burning of solid waste is damaging the health of tens of millions of people worldwide. This review found evidence of emissions from open burning that are classed as persistent organic pollutants and are carcinogenic, mutagenic, cause immunological and developmental impairments, and may lead to reproductive abnormalities. The hazardous emissions released from open burning threaten the environment and the health of those who live and work nearby.

The practice of open waste burning is particularly widespread in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where collection and disposal systems are often poor or non-existent. Waste is burned close to homes, within industrial or commercial premises, and in large uncontrolled dumpsites. The reduction of open burning can drastically improve air quality in the local area and positively impact human health.

At the 18th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in September 2022, an agreement was reached to reduce open waste burning in Africa. The conference recognised that up to 80% of waste generated in African cities is recyclable, with a potential value of $8 billion annually. Job creation in the recycling industry was proposed as a solution to eradicate the practice of open burning. Banning open burning alone will not solve the current safety issues, and a large-scale response is needed to address the challenges of waste management and disposal.

Residential wood combustion

The chemical composition of wood, primarily cellulose, and the combustion process play crucial roles in the production of CO. Wood also contains lignin, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, which influence the combustion process. When wood burns, it releases energy through the combination of carbon and oxygen, forming CO. However, under certain conditions, such as in a typical airtight house, wood combustion may have a lower risk of oxygen-deficient combustion due to the oxygen content in the wood itself.

The effectiveness of carbon monoxide detectors in residential settings is essential for safety. These detectors can identify CO regardless of the fuel type, providing early warning signs of potential hazards. Proper ventilation is also critical to mitigating the risks associated with CO build-up in enclosed spaces. Understanding the historical context of CO poisoning incidents related to wood-burning stoves underscores the necessity of implementing safety measures, including the strategic placement of multiple CO detectors.

Additionally, the lower calorific value of wood combustion is worth considering. The energy released during combustion is partially consumed by the evaporation of water contained in cellulose. This process, influenced by the presence of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, contributes to a faster temperature decrease and the cessation of combustion in oxygen-deficient conditions. Therefore, burning wood under normal circumstances is generally safer than burning coal, which can continue burning even with limited oxygen.

In summary, residential wood combustion in Chad can lead to air pollution, particularly through the release of carbon monoxide during incomplete combustion. However, with proper safety measures, such as the use of CO detectors and adequate ventilation, the risks associated with wood burning can be effectively managed. Understanding the chemical composition of wood and the combustion process is crucial for mitigating the environmental and health impacts of residential wood combustion in Chad.

Savannah burning

The burning of savannah vegetation, often occurring annually as bushfires, releases particulate matter into the air, which can have detrimental health effects. Fine and coarse particles, known as PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, are among the pollutants produced by these fires. The former type of particle is particularly concerning due to its ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system, potentially causing or exacerbating respiratory issues and other health problems.

In the town of Navrongo, Ghana, which is located in the Sahel Savannah Zone, the average PM2.5 mass concentration was measured at 32.3 micrograms per cubic meter. This level of particulate pollution is significantly higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline value, indicating the severity of the issue.

While the data from Navrongo provides valuable insights into the impact of savannah burning on air quality, it is important to recognize that the situation in Chad may differ due to various factors, including the extent and frequency of burning activities, as well as local weather patterns and geographical characteristics. Nevertheless, the data underscores the potential risks associated with savannah burning and the importance of effective emission reduction strategies to mitigate its environmental and health impacts.

To address the challenges posed by savannah burning, it is crucial to develop and implement comprehensive strategies. These strategies may include controlled burning practices, fire prevention measures, and the promotion of alternative land management techniques that reduce the need for widespread burning. Additionally, enhancing monitoring capabilities and conducting regular emissions inventories can help track the sources and extent of air pollution, enabling more informed decision-making and the implementation of effective solutions.

Lack of access to monitoring stations

The issue of air pollution in Chad is a significant cause for concern, with the country ranking last in the 2022 Global Air Quality Report. According to the report, Chad's air quality showed pollutant levels 17 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines. However, it is important to note that the data for Chad was collected from a single monitoring point in the city of N'Djamena, indicating a lack of access to monitoring stations in the country.

The lack of access to monitoring stations in Chad is a critical issue that hinders the country's ability to accurately assess and address its air quality problems. This limitation in monitoring infrastructure has several detrimental consequences and contributes to the overall challenge of mitigating air pollution.

Firstly, without sufficient monitoring stations, Chad faces challenges in obtaining comprehensive and representative data on air quality. The limited number of monitoring stations may result in data gaps, making it difficult to fully understand the extent and distribution of air pollution across the country. This, in turn, can impact the effectiveness of policy interventions and mitigation strategies, as they may not be adequately informed by accurate and detailed air quality information.

Secondly, the lack of access to monitoring stations can hinder the early detection and warning systems for air pollution episodes. With limited monitoring capabilities, it becomes more difficult to identify and predict periods of heightened air pollution, such as during wildfires or industrial emissions. This can have direct health implications for vulnerable individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions, as they may not receive timely alerts to take necessary precautions.

Moreover, the absence of a robust monitoring network in Chad can create obstacles to evaluating the effectiveness of emission reduction strategies. Monitoring stations play a crucial role in tracking the impact of implemented policies and interventions. Without sufficient monitoring, it becomes challenging to assess whether emission reduction measures are achieving their intended outcomes, hindering the ability to make data-driven adjustments and improvements.

Lastly, the lack of access to monitoring stations can limit the availability of data for scientific research and public awareness. Air quality data collected by monitoring stations is essential for scientists and researchers to study air pollution trends, sources, and potential solutions. Additionally, public access to real-time air quality data empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and activities. However, with limited monitoring stations, the availability and accessibility of such data may be restricted.

In conclusion, the lack of access to monitoring stations in Chad is a critical barrier to addressing the country's air pollution challenges. It impedes data collection, early warning systems, policy evaluation, and scientific research. To effectively tackle air pollution and protect the health and well-being of its citizens, Chad needs to invest in expanding its monitoring infrastructure and improving access to real-time, comprehensive air quality data.

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