Assessment of risk to indoor air pollutants among computer and photocopier business Operators in tertiary institutions in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Exposure to indoor gaseous pollutants is an issue of serious public health importance in Nigeria.

Method: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey carried out between February and March, 2012 to assess the awareness of risk to indoor air pollutants among computer and photocopier business operators in tertiary institutions in Zaria, Nigeria. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.

Results: Majority (56%) of the respondents were within the age-range of 21 -30 years, about half (51%) were male, 75% single, and 75% had tertiary education. About 93% o the business operators had generators with capacity of 2 - 9 KVA (34%) and majority (33%)of the generators run for 6-10 hrs per day. The distance between the generators and the shops was ≤ meters in 47% of the cases, the ceiling height and area of the windows were below standard. A good percentage (99%)of the operators were aware of hazards associated with use of generators such as feeling of choking (37%) and dizziness (29%). Measures of controlling the hazards included changing the location of the generators (49%) and the direction of the exhaust (40%).

Conclusion: The recommendations included the need for improvement in the national electric power supply by the federal government, connecting the shops to central power supply (generator) by the schools authorities, uniform construction of standard shops and continuous public enlightenment of the public on hazards associated with generator use and preventive measures, among others.