A Scoping Review on Air Quality Monitoring, Policy and Health in West African Cities

Abstract

Ambient air pollution is a global health threat that causes severe mortality and morbidity from respiratory, cardiovascular, and other diseases. Its impact is especially concerning in cities; as the urban population increases, especially in low- and middle-income countries, large populations risk suffering from these health effects. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprises 15 West African countries, in which many cities are currently experiencing fast growth and industrialization. However, government-led initiatives in air quality monitoring are scarce in ECOWAS countries, which makes it difficult to effectively control and regulate air quality and subsequent health issues. A scoping study was performed following the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework in order to assess the precise status of air quality monitoring, related policy, and legislation in this region. Scientific databases and gray literature searches were conducted, and the results were contrasted through expert consultations. It was found that only two ECOWAS countries monitor air quality, and most countries have insufficient legislation in place. Public health surveillance data in relation to air quality data is largely unavailable. In order to address this, improved air quality surveillance, stricter and better-enforced regulations, regional cooperation, and further research are strongly suggested for ECOWAS.

Volatile Organic Compound Composition of Urban Air in Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria

“…From the information that is available, there are numerous locations with raised pollution, particularly roadside locations [9]. Whilst some air quality monitoring exists in Nigeria [24][25][26] infrastructure is limited, and the problem of increasing urbanization and a lack of regulation of pollutant levels has resulted in extremely poor air quality [27].…”

Air Pollution and Urban Green Space: Evidence of Environmental Injustice in Adama, Ethiopia

“…The regulation and governance of air pollution has proven to be an immense challenge in LICs and LMICs, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (Amegah and Agyei-Mensah, 2017;Makoni, 2020;Mir Alvarez et al, 2020). For instance, a study found that most African countries have not incorporated the World Health Organization's (WHO) air pollution guidelines into their national legislations, and 45% of African countries did not have any air pollution regulations whatsoever (Joss et al, 2017).…”

State of ambient air quality in a low-income urban settlement of South Africa

“…Air pollution is a leading environmental-health challenge facing urban areas around the world today [ 3 , 21 ] since 55% of the world's population is urbanised [30] and 60% will be urbanised by 2030 [17] . Furthermore, on a global scale urban environments are estimated to contribute 75% of greenhouse gas emissions [17] .…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought back the spotlight on air quality issues. There is overwhelming evidence that links air pollution and the proliferation of co-morbidities (for example cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, heart disease, diabetes) and an increase in COVID-19 complicated related deaths [3] . The threat is heightened when an individual is exposed to high levels of air pollution.…”

“…Particulate matter refers to small solid and liquid matter whose life expectancy can last for hours, days, weeks, months or even years [6] . Of all the pollutants, PM 2.5 (aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 um) is of great concern due to its ability to penetrate interior cells that cause respiratory, cardiovascular conditions, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, heart attacks, hypertension [ 3 , 6 ] leading to cause-specific premature deaths [ 9 , 32 ]. The health impacts of air pollution are classified as short-term or long-term.…”