Overview of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects of Pollution in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria

Abstract

Pollution has taken on a global dimension, and the effects are most obvious in developing countries. The effects take a toll on human health, animals, and vegetation, as well as on soil, air, and water quality. The objective of this article is to discuss the current relationships among pollution, environmental quality, and human health within the frame of anthropogenic activities in developing countries. In addition to personal observations, we review relevant literature on conditions throughout the developing world and case studies on conditions and activities in Nigeria. Key findings show the significant, adverse contributions to human health and environmental risk from current waste generation and handling practices, indoor and outdoor air pollution, wastewater and effluent generation and disposal, the hazardous nature and pollutionpotential of wastes, and the human behaviors that contribute to pollution in developing countries. There is an urgent need to create awareness among the various segments of society of the human health hazards posed by pollution as well as a need for the comprehensive development and enforcement of appropriate policies to prevent a descent into an abyss of deteriorating human and environmental health.

Current Levels and Management of Solid Wastes in Nigeria

“…Approximately 7,310 t have reached their end of life, with 2,190 t having been recycled and 5,120 t disposed of in dumps. Currently, approximately 7,000 t of MPs (approximately 87.5 million MPs) are imported into Nigeria per year (Babayemi et al., ).…”

“…In Nigeria, metals recovery activities are actively going on, with a massive transport of scrap metals to relevant industries for recycling ( Exhibit ). Despite these efforts, millions of EoL motor vehicles in the country are yet to be collected for the recovery of scrap metals (Agbo, ; Babayemi et al., ). Recent studies have shown that the average weight of a saloon or sedan car is 1,250 kg (Agbo, ), and of this 81% is metal ( Exhibit ).…”

“…This category of solid wastes includes hospital wastes (Abah & Ohimain, ; Ogbonna, Chindah, & Ubani, ), waste electrical and electronic equipment (Babayemi et al., ; Babayemi, Osibanjo, & Weber, ; Ogungbuyi, Nnorom, Osibanjo, & Schluep ; Sindiku et al., ), and solid wastes from certain industries (Ajero & Chigbo, ). In cases where such wastes are not collected and properly managed, they pose a threat to human health and the environment (Babayemi, Ogundiran, & Osibanjo, ). Several studies have indicated that some pollution of soil and water in Nigeria (Adekola & Eletta, ; Adeyemi, Ukpo, Anyakora, & Uyimadu, ; Babayemi, et al ; Kayode, Babayemi, Abam, & Kayode, ; Rose, Kehinde, & Babajide, ) may be the result of improper waste disposal.…”

“…In cases where such wastes are not collected and properly managed, they pose a threat to human health and the environment (Babayemi, Ogundiran, & Osibanjo, ). Several studies have indicated that some pollution of soil and water in Nigeria (Adekola & Eletta, ; Adeyemi, Ukpo, Anyakora, & Uyimadu, ; Babayemi, et al ; Kayode, Babayemi, Abam, & Kayode, ; Rose, Kehinde, & Babajide, ) may be the result of improper waste disposal. Furthermore, some flood events recorded in various parts of the country have been linked to the blockage of drainages by solid wastes (Adetunji & Oyeleye, ; Emeribeole, ).…”

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Waterleaf from Various Sources in Ota, Nigeria

“…Human health effects of cadmium include genetic disorders, cancer, impairment of renal function, bronchiolitis, a decrease in hemoglobin level, etc (Cabral et al, 2015;Cartularo et al, 2015;Zang, 2016). Cadmium may cause nasal irritations, cancer, bronchitis and ulcerations of the septum, decreased pulmonary function, etc (Shanker and Venkateswarlu, 2011;Babayemi et al, 2016). These toxic elements find their way into the environment usually as a result of pollution arising from human activities, and consequently, contaminate the different environmental media on which human life depends.…”