A Comparative Analysis of Air Quality and Respiratory Health in Under-Five Children from Crude Oil-Impacted Communities

Crude oil spills create environmental hazards, leading to air pollution and respiratory health risks in under-five children due to their developing organs. This study compares ambient air quality (AAQ) and the respiratory health (RH) of under-five children in crude oil-impacted and less-impacted communities. The study involved 450 under-five children (mean age: 3 years) from three Niger Delta communities: Bodo, K-Dere, and Beeri. AAQ was measured using sensors, and RH was assessed through interviewer-administered questionnaires between July and October 2022. Mean concentrations of pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, TVOCs, and HCHO, were consistently higher in Bodo and K-Dere (oil-impacted communities) compared to Beeri (less-impacted community), with levels frequently exceeding both WHO and national standards. These concentrations were highest near spill sites and during evening periods, highlighting localized and temporal factors influencing air pollution. Respiratory symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, and persistent nasal congestion were significantly more prevalent among children in oil-impacted communities. Logistic regression analysis indicated a higher likelihood of respiratory issues in these communities, with odds ratios ranging from 2.53 to 14.18 for various symptoms. Elevated air pollution from crude oil spills correlates with a higher prevalence of respiratory conditions in children from impacted communities, underscoring the need for public health interventions in these areas.