Associated Ocular Health Problems of Air Pollutants among Road Transport Workers in Imo State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Background: Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Human existence is dependent on air and other environmental factors for sustenance. The influence of environmental factors, particularly air pollutants, on ocular health has recently garnered increasing attention. Motor vehicles are common sources of air pollution. Notable among these prevailing pollutants are, CO, CO2, NO2, SO2 and PM. The association of some ocular health problems with air pollutants have made it exigent for studies to be carried out in this area. Road transport workers are frequently exposed to these pollutants because of their profession. This study is thus aimed at finding ocular health problems that are associated with air pollutants using road transport workers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 552 motor park workers in the three geo-political zones of Imo State, Nigeria, namely Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri. Data were collected through structured interviews and ocular examinations across selected parks in the three geo-political zones in Imo State, using simple sampling method. Results: The level of concentration of these air pollutants were measured in the various motor parks during morning and evening hours. Many of the road transport workers were found to have one or more ocular health problems. Results showed that Pterygium (57.9%) and Dry eye syndrome (35.9%) were the most prevalent ocular health problems associated with air pollutants among road transport workers. Significant variations in environmental parameters were observed across different parks, indicating potential exposure to air pollutants. Conclusion: The association of glaucoma, lens opacity and macular degeneration with air pollutants, though slightly insignificant in this study, is an important area for further studies. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to safeguard ocular health in this occupational group and the critical importance of understanding and addressing the potential hazards posed by environmental factors on ocular health.
Keywords
Ocular Health, Pterygium, glaucoma, Dry eye syndrome.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Nwakamma G. I. , Obasi K. O. , Iwuoha G. O. , Umunnakwe L. O. , Nkemka E. V.
"Associated Ocular Health Problems of Air Pollutants among Road Transport Workers in Imo State, Nigeria." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 9 2025 Page 920-931
IEEE:
Nwakamma G. I. , Obasi K. O. , Iwuoha G. O. , Umunnakwe L. O. , Nkemka E. V.
"Associated Ocular Health Problems of Air Pollutants among Road Transport Workers in Imo State, Nigeria." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(9)
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