Vehicle exhaust gases: Impact on the cardiorespiratory parameters of motor park workers in Anambra, South Eastern, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Vehicle emission gases have continued to play a significant role in causing air pollution and pose a significant global health challenge. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of vehicle emissions on the cardiorespiratory parameters of workers in motor parks. Materials and Methods: A combination of stratified sampling and simple random samplings were used in selecting the 11 motor parks and 330 participants that were surveyed. A pretested questionnaire was used to assess the demographic factors and symptoms of cardiorespiratory diseases. Blood pressure, respiratory rates, and pulse rates were measured using electronic sphygmomanometer. The levels of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter were measured using gas sensor. Data were analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The cluster mean levels of CO, PM2.5, NO2 levels, and SO2 concentrations in the parks were 5.3 mg/m3, 4.9 μg/m3, 40 μg/m3, and 44 μg/m3, respectively. Of the 330 participants, 257 (77.9%) were males. The highest age group of participants came from 36 to 46 years bracket. Most of the participants had secondary education 171 (51.8%). Majority 127 (37.3%) had worked in the park for at least 5 years. The systolic blood pressure of the subjects clustered around 139.39 ± 20.10, diastolic blood pressure 97.20 ± 10.99, whereas the average pulse rate was 73.17 ± 11.57. The highest symptom recorded was coughing 174 (52.7%). There is a significant positive correlation between gas emissions and cardiorespiratory symptoms. Conclusion: Adequate monitoring and control of vehicle emissions as well as educating workers in motor parks on the health effects of vehicle emissions were recommended.