Air Pollution Monitoring Around Residential and Transportation Sector Locations in Lagos Mainland

BACKGROUND: Industrialization and urbanization, while associated with increased productivity, are also potential causes of increased air pollution. Urban air quality has the potential to affect the health and wellbeing of residents of urban areas. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the levels of air pollutants around residential areas and transport sector locations (TSLs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Residential areas were defined as areas around inner streets and living quarters, while TSLs included busy roads, dual carriage roads, bus stops and major car parks in the Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos Mainland, Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: using calibrated hand-held devices at selected residential and TSLs. Each sampling location was geo-referenced and concentrations of the various parameters were used to plot distribution maps. RESULTS: ) were below detection limits in both sampling locations while volatile organic carbons (VOCs) ranged from 0.00 - 0.10 ppm in the TSLs. DISCUSSION: were much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The results indicated that the quality of air (particulate matter) in the study area was poor, especially in the TSLs. CONCLUSIONS: The Federal Ministry of Environment, through its relevant agencies, must create policies to address urban air pollution, taking into consideration long term exposures and people that are most vulnerable within the population. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.