Organic compounds in the atmosphere and their potential impact on health in Ondo State, Nigeria

The present investigation aimed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmospheric environment of Ondo State, Nigeria. This study used a thorough analytical process to measure VOCs in air samples taken from various places within Ondo State using a portable gas detector and their connection with meteorological data. These fluctuations were related to both natural and anthropogenic activity, such as burning of forest, industrial processes, transportation, and agricultural practices. This study offers important information to the larger discussion on environmental contamination and provides a framework for Ondo State's decision-making and policy development. The average TVOC concentration (measured in mg/m3) during wet conditions is 0.96 ± 0.84, which is significantly lower than the average of 1.98 ± 0.85 during dry conditions. The mean temperature (°C) in wet conditions is 32.83 2.03, which is a little lower than the mean (33.77 ± 2.06) in dry conditions. The mean wind speed (in m/s) during wet conditions is 1.77 ± 0.69, which is greater than the mean wind speed (in m/s) during dry conditions of 1.37 ± 0.69. Mean value of humidity for wet situations is 71.80 ± 3.91, which is a little lower than the mean value for dry conditions, which is 73.47 ± 4.07.similar to those for temperature, show that this difference in humidity is not statistically significant. This work evaluated the potential health risks associated with TVOC. The total hazard quotient (THQ) for adult was 4.0 x 10⁻⁷ for children 4.40 x 10⁻⁷. The children's HQ ranged from 0.36 to 1.70. The adult's ranged from 1.31 to 6.19. However, it was discovered that the health risk posed by breathing in atmospheric TVOC was far higher than the USEPA limits, where HQ >1.