A qualitative study on the morbidity experiences of under-five children in oil spill communities

Abstract Introduction: Under-five years old (U5) children that reside in oil spill communities are exposed to various pollutants, and therefore are prone to respiratory symptoms and diseases. This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding on the lived experiences of U5 children residing in these communities. Methods: The study was done in August, 2022, on eleven caregivers/parents of U5 children, aged 26–45 years old via purposive sampling. This study utilized a phenomenological research design through in-depth interviews and audio recordings. Results: Findings revealed that numerous oil spills have occurred, and are still occurring. According to the respondents, these spills are caused majorly by poor maintenance of old, rusted pipelines of oil companies; and pipeline vandalism, leading to land, water and air pollution. Results also showed that these spills have led to several adverse respiratory health (RH) experiences in U5, including cough, catarrh, chest pain and other health emergencies that have resulted in frequent hospital visitations and admissions like difficulty/fast breathing, pneumonia, hemoptysis, exacerbation of previously existing conditions, asthma development, etc. The destruction of their source of livelihood, have contributed to worsening these symptoms. Conclusion: U5 children living in crude oil polluted areas are burdened with a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases. Implementation of already existing regulatory laws on oil pollution, prompt clean-up of oil spills, provision of standard health facilities, and trained health personnels, were some of the measures recommended to curb the menace of crude oil spills and its RH effects

Crude oil spills and respiratory health of clean-up workers:a systematic review of literature

Abstract Background: We systematically reviewed the literature’s existing knowledge on crude oil spills and the respiratory health (RH) outcomes of clean-up workers. Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases to systematically review studies of crude oil spills and RH outcomes of clean-up workers published from 1 January 2001 to 30 June 2022. We excluded in vitro, animal, and household studies. Results: We identified 20 articles assessing the relationship between crude oil spills and RH outcomes of clean-up workers. Most studies were prospective and analytical, and fewer studies were cross-sectional studies. Most articles showed short- and long-term RH effects, with two articles refuting the adverse long-term RH effects and five articles showing no significant differences. Less than 50% of the articles assessed RH using spirometry. Studies on some independent oil spills (Hebei Spirit) were limited. Conclusion: There is a high level of exposure to crude oil spills by clean-up workers, which is associated with adverse RH effects. Integrated efforts are needed to curb the menace of oil spills, thereby reducing the adverse RH effects among this vulnerable population

Wide band frequency measurements of fungal species using laser patterned finger electrodes on LTCC

Abstract High frequency measurements at 50 MHz – 10 GHz were performed for the first time using interdigitated electrodes on a low temperature co-fired ceramic substrate to analyze fungal spores. Wet and dry spore generation methods were evaluated and tested with two different fungal species. The dry generation method was found feasible for RF measurements, since the component capacitance increased 14–21% in the 2–6 GHz range, but for the wet generation method the capacitance decreased only slightly (<1%). Based on these initial results the RF measurements have the capacity to evaluate the quantity of fungal spores but not to identify their species