Impact of gas flaring in Ubeji metropolis of Delta State Nigeria: a comparative survey of environment health effects

Authors

  • Omatseye Alero Akuirene Department of Public & Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria
  • Josiah O. Adjene Department of Public & Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria
  • Nkemdilim I. Obi School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, NSW, Australia
  • Ezekiel Uba Nwose Department of Public & Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, NSW, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20194249

Keywords:

Environmental health impacts, Gas flares, Niger Delta communities

Abstract

Background: The impact of gas flaring in Ubeji metropolis, relative to other communities of Delta is of interest. This study assessed the environmental impact of gas flaring in Ubeji metropolis of Delta State. The objective of this study is to study the comparative assessment of the environmental impacts of gas flaring on five communities of unequal distance from gas flaring site.

Methods: Questionnaire survey was used to evaluate three research questions that included the level of knowledge in the survey communities regarding health impact of gas flaring; prevalence level of assessed health conditions in Ubeji metropolis relative to communities farther from or nearer to Warri gas flaring site; and perceived impact of gas flaring on air quality indicated by health and environmental toxicity indices.  

Results: Descriptive evaluation of data shows Ubeji appears to have the highest proportion of persons suffering respiratory problems, but the figure for family members is less than some other communities. The respondents nearer flaring site show more awareness compared to those farther away. Critical evaluation showed no directional change in prevalence of disease linked to gas flaring. There is linear relationship between ‘distance to gas flare site’ and ‘toxic impact on air quality’.

Conclusions: This report submits further data to the discourse that, on the basis of nearness to gas flaring site, there is significant difference between communities experience of environmental and health impact.

 

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Published

2019-09-24

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Original Research Articles