Occupational Exposure to Air Pollution in Africa: Boda Boda Riders in Kampala

Abstract

The importance of the commercial motorcycle for public transport in many African cities is increasingly recognised. However, rapid urbanisation and urban economic growth also increases the demand for motorised transport, resulting in increased congestion, road traffic accidents and air pollution. While exposure to air pollution is a well-established risk factor for respiratory illnesses, there has been very little study of occupational exposure to transport-related air pollution in African cities. This research contributes to that gap, studying the exposure and impact of air pollution on Kampala’s boda boda riders (commercial motorcycle riders). The study uses low-cost mobile pollution monitors fixed to a commercial motorcycle to demonstrate the vulnerability of riders exposed to high levels of air pollution throughout much of the working day. The study indicates how low-cost monitoring can help boda boda riders understand and to minise their exposure to air pollution, and support urban policy that reduces air pollution while also recognising the importance of Kampala’s boda boda for both urban transport and livelihoods.