Health Hazards Associated with Operations of Medium-Scale Dual Purpose Kerosene Vendors Using Motorized Pumps with Aboveground Storage Tanks in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The use of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) as a means of cooking and power supply in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized especially among the over 70% of Nigerians living in poverty. It is a highly hazardous product and the adverse environmental health effects from the use of this product remain widespread. Thus, due to the scarcity of epidemiological studies, potential harm and risks of kerosene, the present study was carried out. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the environmental health hazards associated with operations of medium-scale DPK vendors using motorized pumps with aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) in Ilorin metropolis and as such estimate the numbers of medium-scale DPK vendors, identify their locations using the Geographic Information System (GIS) tool and assess the likely environmental health hazards associated with the operations of these DPK vendors. Methodology: Purposive sampling technique was deployed in this study and data was collected using a structured questionnaire and handheld Germin (GPSmap® 78) GPS. Results: The study revealed that about 76 medium-scale DPK vendors with ASTs are found in Ilorin metropolis with 48(63.2%) found in Ilorin West LGA, 18(23.6%) in Ilorin South and 10(13.2%) in Ilorin East. Over 80% of the DPK vendors have their ASTs in close proximity to major roads, 68.4% in close proximity to residential buildings, 30.3% in close proximity to a water source and 7% reported the incidence of kerosene spillage. The test of association between the operations of medium-scale DPK vendors and associated environmental health hazards was found to be significant at (p<0.05); while ArcGIS 10.4 software was employed in showing the spatial distribution of the DPK vendors within Ilorin metropolis. Conclusion: Conclusively, this study shows the activities of the DPK vendors causes high environmental health hazards which directly impact both environmental health and health of the population Recommendations: Stringent enforcement activities by the Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) on adherence to stipulated setbacks from buildings and major roads; massive enlightenment on the various health hazards associated with DPK vendors operations; and government, through the state assembly, should enact laws to curb the uncontrolled proliferation of medium-scale DPK vendors in Ilorin metropolis and storage of toxic and flammable substances.