Statistical Evaluation of Risk Associated With Particulate Matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) in Ondo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Long‐term exposure to constituents of air pollutants has exerted serious health implications for both humans and plants, leading to a detrimental impact on the economy. This study investigated the level of particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10 ) in different locations in Ondo State (OAUSTECH School Farm, New Garage Okitipupa, Local Palm Oil Processing Plant, Mechanic Workshop, and Metal Industry) using a Temtop LKC‐1000S multi‐combination gas detector. An anemometer was also used to measure the relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed, as well as their relationship with meteorological parameters. The mean concentration for PM 2.5 (mg/cm 3 ) is 30.10 ± 4.46 (OAUSTECH School Farm), 29.83 ± 4.39 (New Garage), 16.33 ± 5.27 (Palm Oil Plant), 34.00 ± 4.57 (Workshop), 30.63 ± 4.56 (Metal Industry). The mean concentration for PM 10 is 66.03 ± 9.92 (OAUSTECH School Farm), 52.40 ± 8.35 (New Garage), 25.37 ± 8.47 (Palm Oil Plant), 47.67 ± 8.38 (Workshop), 42.17 ± 8.31 (Metal Industry). This study also investigates the sources and chemical composition of particulate matter, shedding light on the complex factors influencing air pollution. Incidental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) values for the inhalation pathway for both adults and children fall within the acceptable range (10 −9 –10 −8 ).