Abstract

The existence of clusters of small-scale industries that operate obsolete equipment and generate significant gas and particle emissions with no provisions for pollution control has intensified air pollution. This study examines the relationship between the health status of inhabitants of Bida and their proximity to small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). It adopts a combination of case study and experimental research design, involving cross-sectional procedure from data sourced from secondary and primary sources. The wards’ housing stock was used to select sample size. 1,990 buildings were counted along selected streets from which 10% was selected for questionnaire administration. The ambient air quality was measured using RAS1700’ gas meter, between 1p.m and 5p.m. Research results show that CO, NO₂, and SO₂ concentrate level per ward exceeded the National Environmental Standard Regulations Enforcement Agency’s (NESREA) recommendations of 10PPM, 0.04-0.06PPM and 0.01PPM respectively. Respondents living close to SMEs experienced a number of irritations. Hospital records show high level of asthma cases. It was recommended that the residents be enlightened on the dangers of locating close to SMEs. If this is unavoidable, they should engage in environmental management practices such as planting of trees, preservation of open spaces and landscaping to mitigate the level of emissions into air, thereby protecting both individuals and the environment at large.

Key Words: Air quality, Health, Small Medium Enterprises, Bida

DOI: https://ejesm.org/doi/v11i5.3