<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> 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.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 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.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 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’.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> 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.</p><p> </p>

<p>The Nigerian gas flares emit as many imaginable pollutants that cause several health concerns. However, there is no comprehensive study done on the health impact of gas flaring on humans in Delta state. Hence, this paper seeks to identify the risks associated with gas flaring in relation to human health and the knowledge of gas flaring in the communities of Delta region of Nigeria. Following a non-systematic approach to develop this narrative, <strong>s</strong>tudies that link various diseases such as hypertension, cancers, birth defects, diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular and kidney disease to gas flaring in the region, the risk perception and the policies and regulations were examined. Findings from most of the papers reviewed show an association between gas flaring and the diseases identified and prevalence of most of the diseases in oil and gas communities compared to areas where gas flaring is not practiced. In conclusion, insufficient data on the prevalence and association of diseases such as hypertension, cancers, birth defects, diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular and kidney disease with gas flaring were some of the gaps identified. These results necessitate the need for epidemiological studies on the health effects of gas flaring on humans.</p>

<p class="abstract">Gas flaring is the combustion of associated gas from crude-oil exploitation and exploration operations and occurs in refineries, oil wells, oil rigs by fiery of the gas. Nigeria is one of the main producers of gas in the world and oil exploration activities have occasioned high rate of gas flaring because of poor enforcement of anti-gas flaring laws by the regulatory authorities. Gas flaring comes with serious environmental concern because it is a major source of air pollution with adverse public health consequences particularly in the gas flaring communities. The objective of this narrative review is to identify the risks associated with gas flaring in relation to the environment. Literatures from diverse databases including peer reviewed journals as well as governmental and organizational papers were searched to develop the narrative. Over the years, several laws have been enacted in Nigeria with stipulated dates to end gas flaring, but the targets have not been met. The Federal government of Nigeria updated the legal framework titled flare gas (prevention of waste and pollution) regulations, 2018 to facilitate financial profits through utilization and commercialization of associated gas, with a view to reduce or exterminate flaring. This effort appears ineffective due to weak enforcement and poor monitoring mechanism. The statutory government institution entrusted to enforce anti-gas law may benefit from some sort of motivation to ensure oil operators comply to combat environmental health risks from gas flaring.</p>

Background: Gas flaring, which occurs as part oil and gas operations results in release of gaseous toxins into the environment thus has a negative impact on the host communities including fauna, flora and humans. Previous studies focused mainly on the contribution of gas flaring to environmental pollution but not on human health. This article assesses disease prevention and treatment programs for ill-health associated with gas flaring. Methodology: This research followed a mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Qualitative data comprised open-ended questions that sought the thematic views of community on how the companies liaise with either community and/or government, and what they would want the companies to provide to alleviate the health effects of gas flaring. Chi square and correlations were used on quantitative data to determine agreements and statistically significant differences of responses by participants from the questions that were set on Likert scales. Outcome: Chi-square showed statistically significant difference (X2 = z76, p < 0.017), when distribution of responses to Question-1 (Benefit of oil company to the community) and Question-4 (Oil companies awareness of potential health problems in the community) were compared. Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected i.e. there is association between variables and awareness of prevalent ill-health due to gas flaring are responded to with preventive and treatment programs. Conclusion: This notes that there is a relationship between awareness of health problems and intervention and also a lack of capacity among the communities’ low-mid social class to appropriately dialogue with the government for change.

Background: Gas flaring occurs during crude oil extraction and can have adverse implications for the community’ health and the environment. Reports show that residents complain about ill-health e.g. insomnia due to heat generated during gas flaring. This article therefore compares the impact on health in gas flaring host and non-gas flaring host communities. Methodology: This research followed a mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Six questions were asked on occupation, residence, distance from the gas flare, social status in community, health status and family health history. Two questions assessed health status as well as family health history of participants and were semi-qualitative. All questions were adopted from a previously published report. Comparison of environmental and occupational data between host and neighbouring communities was done. Outcome: Nearness of residence to gas flare sites show increased frequency in the number of ill health issues in respondents and their families. The impact of gas flaring i.e. ill health is high in those near to the site and diabetes is more prevalent amongst other ill-health conditions surveyed. Multiple comparisons show that the group farthest from gas flare site have significantly least proportion of members who are stressed or suffering respiratory problems. Conclusion: Impact on health or wellbeing among members of gas flaring host communities are more severe when compared to those far. Government policies need to mitigate the adverse effects of gas flaring and the community needs to be educated on the impacts of gas flaring and how this can be minimised.