Environmental Pollution and its Health Implication

Sustainability is a term that has become the subject of discussion on every issue and facet of life; from physical development, to the health and well-being of people, the habitation of animals, plants, microorganisms and the general natural ecosystem, the economical and political dynamics of regions and even to the core of human existence; relationship.

Sustainable Development is the result of adequate utilization of resources for growth and development without disproportionately burden such resources for future use and generations. In other words, maintaining a continuous flow and progression of environment, human, social and economic components of development.

A global agenda has been adopted (by over 193 common wealth Nations) to drive the course of development over a 15 year period (2016-2030), towards the Prosperity of People and Planet. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) set as the new global agenda by the United Nations Framework Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), contains 17 goals 169 targets and each of these goals is an attempt to address the Social development, Economic development and Physical development (Climate Change) in the World.

Every achievement, growth, conquest, social-cultural and economic evolution, dynasty, ecosystem and every components of our World today is built and maintained in our Environment. The environment is the core which holds and sustains all living things, organisms and systems. Nature exists in cycles and systems which maintain the balance of our existence, once this cycles and systems are disrupted, our sustainability is threatened.

In Nigeria today, our consciousness to the basic cycle and systems of the environment is dulled, due to self interest, ignorance, poverty, government policies, corruption, unhealthy practices (gas flaring and oil spillage) social cultural practices, industrial and economic practices. The result of our actions and actions around the world is Climate Change.

In the Nigeria context, environmental pollution is the most challenging effect of our actions and ignorance. Air pollution, water pollution and land pollution. All this have adverse effects to our individual health and wellbeing.

Air pollution is the release of gaseous and chemical substances into the atmosphere, air pollution is not visible and in most cases goes unnoticed. It is a dangerous and silent killer. Air pollution is caused by burning of fossil fuels (vehicles, generators, firewood, coal), methane gas, smog, soot, mold and pollen from plants, pets, fungi and bacteria.

Air pollutants affect the planet by depleting the ozone layer which increases ultra violet radiations on the earth and subsequently increases atmospheric temperature. Air pollution is the major cause of climate change and the resultant effect includes flooding, heat waves, smog, soot and irregular farming seasons. This is not compared to the personal health defects of air pollution.

Many of us may be aware of air pollution that circulates our environment, but are we conscious of the air pollutants within our homes, offices and schools? Indoor Air Pollution is the existence of pollutants within our enclosed spaces. We spend over 80% of our day in enclosed spaces, be it in the office, at school, at home, at religious gatherings or events. Research shows that an estimated 2.2 million deaths each year are due to indoor air pollution (compared to 500,000 deaths from outdoor air pollution).

These pollutants are generated from diffused carbon dioxide, cooking fuels, smoke from tobacco, mosquito coil, pollen from plants, pets, fungi and bacteria, poor ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compounds such as xylene, toluene, ammonia, trichloroethylene, benzene and alcohol, which are generated from household materials; paints, glues, resins, polishing materials, perfumes, spray propellants, cleaning agents, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines e.t.c.

These pollutants are trapped within our enclosed spaces and make up our breathable air. They are silent killers as they are the cause of many modern diseases and exacerbate existing illness.

How those it affect my health and wellbeing and the growth of my child?

The following are symptoms and causes of indoor air pollution;

·         Irritation of the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat)

·         Cough, wheeze, chest tightness

·         Headaches and fatigue

·         Increased airway responsiveness to allergens

·         Increased incidence of acute respiratory illness: cold, pneumonia, otitis media

·         Tracheobronchitis

·         Exacerbation of asthma

·         Lung cancer

·         Cardiovascular Diseases

·         Death

In all this you ask yourself, am I safe from air pollution, how do i get my household free of the dangers of indoor air pollutants???

Every one of us despite where we live or work is at risk of the dangers of air pollution. Yes we can mitigate the effects of air pollution, but we must be ready to take steps as individuals and work together in partnership towards a healthier environment, which will preserve our lives and ensure sustainable development.

In this light there is a launch of a social intervention; GREEN LIFE INITIATIVE, which aims at educating and creating awareness of the Urban public of the effects of air pollution and taking actions such as encouraging the use of indoor plants in homes, offices and schools, and the planting of trees within the Abuja environs so as to curb the effects of air pollution to our health and sustainable development. This is the goal of Green Life Initiative.

Goal 17 Partnership for Sustainable Development; this is not a call for government and international bodies to come to the aid of our degrading state, but we putting aside our difference and coming together as mankind for the development of one another just as Nature those. We cannot do it alone and we therefore call on the general public, cooperate bodies, NGOs and Government MDAs to joins efforts in the drive for Progressive Living of all Nigerians.

To know more info and be a part of the Green Life Initiative movement you contact us;

+2347038568756 +2348023249334,

nulifeprojectng@gmail.com

Ibrahim Adebayo    

Director CSR    

NULiFE Project Ltd