PERCEIVED RISK OF AIR POLLUTION AND ITS HEALTH IMPLICATIONS AMONG COMMERCIAL CAB DRIVERS IN ILORIN TOWN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the risk of exposure to air pollution among commercial cab drivers in Ilorin town, Nigeria. The objectives focused on socio-economic characteristics of commercial drivers, types and condition of vehicles, and working duration. Seasonal variation in air pollution-related symptoms experienced by commercial drivers was examined as well. A structured questionnaire was used to collect, and 394 copies were administered. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-test were used to analyse the data. The results were presented in tables and charts. Findings revealed that the drivers were male (100%), with most being over 35 years old (31.5%). The Saloon Car is the most used vehicle. Commercial cab drivers typically resume work as early as 6 am and close late in the evening. Cough (36.8%), headache (39.6%), catarrh (37.1%), depression (36.5%), and eye redness, as well as itching (39.3%), were commonly experienced by commercial transporters. The extent to which health conditions are experienced varies significantly between the rainy and dry seasons, with a Fratio of 61.36 and a p-value of less than 0.05 (P<0.05). The differences in health conditions associated with air pollution exposure among drivers during both dry and rainy seasons were not significant, as evidenced by a t-test value of 1.8, with a p-value greater than 0.05 (P>0.05). It was concluded that drivers experience air pollution-related health issues, including cough, headache, catarrh, depression, and eye redness and itching. The health issues, however, occurred both in dry and rainy seasons. This study recommends that the drivers adopt a work schedule that limits exposure to air pollution.