PARTICULATE MATTER, HEALTH CONCERNS AND COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF SAWMILL POLLUTION IN ILORIN WEST LGA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a global health crisis which has claimed millions of lives annually from industrial sources like sawmills, which elevate risks of respiratory, cardiovascular, and ocular. This study addresses these gaps by investigating particulate matter, health concerns and community perception in Ilorin West Local Government Area. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed which combines air quality monitoring and community surveys during February 20–26, 2025. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were measured twice daily at five sawmill sites using the Met One AEROCET 531S, with 70 data points per pollutant analyzed for spatiotemporal trends and WHO guideline compliance. A structured questionnaire was also pre-tested for reliability (Cronbach’s alpha >0.85) and surveyed 400 residents selected via multi-stage sampling captures perceptions, health concerns, and mitigation preferences. Descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA, chi-square) analyzed data, with qualitative insights integrated for triangulation. PM2.5 and PM10 levels consistently exceeded WHO 24-hour guidelines (15 µg/m³, 45 µg/m³) by 6–10 times across all sites, with no significant spatial or diurnal variations (p>0.05), which shows a pervasive pollution. Community surveys revealed universal health symptoms (76.25% persistent cough, 45.25% wheezing), with significant proximity-based associations (e.g., cough: χ²=115.15, p<0.001). Residents (87%) reported visible dust, and 95.5% endorsed sawmill relocation as a mitigation strategy. The study concluded that chronic PM exposure from sawmills poses severe health risks in Ilorin West LGA which is amplified by community proximity to sawmill industry and weak regulations. We recommend real-time PM monitoring networks and community health advisory committees to enhance awareness and protection. Urgent policies for sawmill relocation and emission controls are critical to safeguard public health and promote sustainable urban development.