7 research outputs found
Transport related air pollution and its implications on public health along selected road corridors in lagos metropolis, nigeria
The study investigated the ambient air quality caused by vehicular emission and its
implications on the public health around major roadways in Lagos metropolis Nigeria. Field
data on vehicular volumes and mix were collected for three months in the morning,
afternoon, and evening peak periods for the five (5) selected major routes. Concurrently,
air pollutants from vehicles were measured by portable gas detectors on the routes.
Questionnaires were administered to the respondent near the routes to investigate the
implications of exposure on their health. The concentration level of the air pollutants is
highest between 8-9 am morning peak periods and lowest between 12-1 pm afternoon
periods. The ambient air quality is polluted on all the studied routes and revealed a strong
correlation (p<0.05) between pollutants concentration and traffic flow. The questionnaire
results also showed that 74% of the sampled respondents around the corridor suffered
from chest pain, frequent cough, nose running and sneezing, sore throat, difficulty in
breathing, body weakness, fatigue, eye irritation, loss of appetite, headache, and fast
breathing of which 6% of children and 54% of women were the most susceptible. The
study recommended measures for the reduction of the negative impacts on ambient air
quality and public health in developing African citiesPapers presented at the 40th International Southern African Transport Conference on 04 -08 July 202
The use of non-standard motorcycle helmets in low- and middle-income countries: a multicentre study
Background The use of non-standard motorcycle helmets has the potential to undermine multinational efforts aimed at reducing the burden of road traffic injuries associated with motorcycle crashes. However, little is known about the prevalence or factors associated with their use. Methods Collaborating institutions in nine low- and middle-income countries undertook cross-sectional surveys, markets surveys, and reviewed legislation and enforcement practices around non-standard helmets. Findings 5563 helmet-wearing motorcyclists were observed; 54% of the helmets did not appear to have a marker/sticker indicating that the helmet met required standards and interviewers judged that 49% of the helmets were likely to be non-standard helmets. 5088 (91%) of the motorcyclists agreed to be interviewed; those who had spent less than US$10 on their helmet were found to be at the greatest risk of wearing a non-standard helmet. Data were collected across 126 different retail outlets; across all countries, regardless of outlet type, standard helmets were generally 2–3 times more expensive than non-standard helmets. While seven of the nine countries had legislation prohibiting the use of non-standard helmets, only four had legislation prohibiting their manufacture or sale and only three had legislation prohibiting their import. Enforcement of any legislation appeared to be minimal. Interpretation Our findings suggest that the widespread use of non-standard helmets in low- and middle-income countries may limit the potential gains of helmet use programmes. Strategies aimed at reducing the costs of standard helmets, combined with both legislation and enforcement, will be required to maximise the effects of existing campaigns