Particulate Matter, Health Concerns and Community Perceptions of Sawmill Pollution in Ilorin West Lga, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract Introduction: Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a global health concern and its linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and ocular diseases. Industrial sources, such as sawmills, contribute significantly to local air quality degradation, yet community-level impacts are poorly characterized in Nigeria. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design combined air quality monitoring and community surveys in Ilorin West LGA (February 20–26, 2025). PM2.5 and PM10 were measured twice daily at five sawmill sites using the Met One AEROCET 531S (70 data points per pollutant). A structured questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.85) surveyed 400 residents selected via multi-stage sampling, capturing perceptions, health concerns, and mitigation preferences. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA, chi-square). Results PM2.5 and PM10 levels exceeded WHO 24-hour guidelines (15 µg/m³, 45 µg/m³) by 6–10 times across all sites PM2.5 (98.7–126.5 µg/m³) and PM10 (117.6–146.0 µg/m³), with no significant spatial or diurnal variations (p > 0.05), which indicate a significant pollution. Health symptoms were prevalent (76.3% persistent cough; 45.3% wheezing), with significant associations closer to the sawmill (cough: χ²=115.15, p < 0.001). Most residents reported visible dust (87%) and supported sawmill relocation (95.5%). Conclusion Chronic PM exposure from sawmills poses serious health risks, particularly among residents living near industrial sites and show gaps in regulatory enforcement. Interventions including real-time air quality monitoring, community health advisory committees, stricter emission controls, and relocation of sawmills are essential to protect public health and support sustainable urban development.