Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Effects of dust storm on health in the Nigerian environment

AC Achudume*, BO Oladipo

This paper assessed the ecotoxicity of dust storm on human health risk in the Nigerian environment. Samples of dusts on the rural road and outdoor dusts from the residences close to the road were collected. The common ecotoxicologic micro technique was used to analyze and detect native microbial agents. The results showed that rural environment is generally coated with dusts and visibility is relatively lower in dry than rainy season. These dusts contained typical microbial agents that correlate with those causing respiratory diseases. Adverse health effects arising from exposure may include pulmonary dysfunction, airways responsiveness, immunological factors and endotoxins. Planning implication may involve biological monitoring based on regular air sampling collection which may serve as an appropriate and non-invasive means of sampling exposure among the populace. The study equally highlights the potential hazard of dusts containing potential lethal microbial endotoxins that pose a risk for direct toxicity.