Abstract

Maintaining air quality is an important and effective approach to mitigating the virus pandemic in that, the quality of air is important in creating, sustaining or inhibiting conditions for virus viability. Polluted air is the most significant environmental risk factor for all-cause mortality. Exposure to poor air-quality may exacerbate symptoms, trigger a severe course of the virus and for the most vulnerable population, and eventually be fatal. The morbidity posed by air pollution and its impact on our current situation must not be overlooked in the midst of our unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.  In-situ CO data from ten (10) shops at different locations in Agbor, Delta state, Nigeria were monitored between the hours 7.00am – 6.00pm thrice weekly for the period January to March, 2021 using BK PRECISION 627 carbon-monoxide sensor. Statistical correlations between the indoor and outdoor values were calculated. One of the main findings indicates high CO values in some of the shops. The Centre of Research on Clean Air reported that greater levels of air pollution interfere with the body’s normal defense against air borne viruses including SARS-CoV-2. The findings suggest a potential for local traffic management strategies to reduce ambient exposure, minimize exceedances of air quality standards for pollutants and, optimize ventilation based on occupancy and activity.

Key Words: Pandemic, Agbor, Traffic, Sensor, Carbon-monoxide, Shops