PERCEIVED RISK OF AIR POLLUTION AND ITS HEALTH IMPLICATIONS AMONG COMMERCIAL CAB DRIVERS IN ILORIN TOWN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2025
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Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Federal University Dutsin Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria
Abstract
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 F
ratio 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.
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Keywords
Pollution, Season, Cab, Drivers, and Health