Assessment of Common Ambient Air Pollutants and Respiratory Health Outcomes among Road Construction Workers in Imo State, Nigeria

Road construction workers are more likely to experience respiratory health problems because they are frequently exposed to air pollution. The purpose of this study was to assess the common ambient air pollutants and respiratory health outcomes among Nigerian road construction workers in Imo State. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Imo State, Nigeria, with 353 road construction workers from Imo State’s three senatorial zones selected using a multistage sampling technique. Gas meters placed at key points were used to measure the ambient concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) at construction sites. Respiratory symptoms and forced vital capacity (FVC) of the road construction workers were assessed by qualified health professionals. The mean CO, SO2, and SPM concentrations in Imo West were 182.40±6.41ppm, 516.24±55.03μg/m3, and 1956.22±30.75μg/m3 respectively; in Imo East, 185.34±6.46ppm, 518.26±55.12μg/m3, and 1960.17±30.79μg/m3 respectively; and in Imo North, 187.51±6.49ppm, 520.14±55.34μg/m3, and 1956.68±30.25μg/m3 respectively. In all zones, CO, SO2, and SPM levels significantly exceeded safe thresholds, according to the one-way ANOVA analysis (p<0.05) performed with SPSS. Among the most common respiratory health problems were coughing, 211 (59.77%); sneezing, 290(82.15%); catarrh, 79(22.38%); sore throat, 72(20.39%); asthma, 29(8.22%); short breath, 121(34.28%); pneumonia, 66(18.70%); headache, 133(37.68%); and wheezing, 170(48.16%). Mean FVC values were 2263.34±482.33 ml (Imo West), 2578.80±751.80 ml (Imo East), and 2382.78±610.42 ml (Imo North). To mitigate respiratory health risks, road construction workers are strongly recommended to consistently use personal protective equipment, particularly respiratory masks, during work activities.