Public Health and Physiological Implications of Dust Assaults on the People living in the Dry Belt Zone of Nigeria

Authors

  • D. Yahi Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri 2
  • N. A. Ojo Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri
  • S. I. Ngulde Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri
  • H. M. Dibila Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri
  • A. D. Telta Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
  • N. Sambo Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Abuja, Nigeria
  • S. Sanni Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Abuja, Nigeria 4
  • O. A. Sodipo Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
  • H. A. Madziga Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri
  • Y. P. Mbaya Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri
  • J. Simon Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri
  • U. K. Sandabe Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri

Keywords:

Dust, assults, dry belt zone, health

Abstract

Dust storms and harmattan dust are so prevalent in the dry belt region of
Nigeria and recently are assuming alarming rate and proportion,
destroying lives and property. The sand dunes created by such phenomena
bury crops, lands, houses, water, schools, roads and animals, rendering
this region almost completely unsuitable for human and animal habitation
as well as agricultural activities. This study hence reviews public health
and physiological implications of dust assaults on the people living in
the dry belt zone of Nigeria. The aim is to explore the adverse effects of
dust on public health. The study gathered data using the secondary
source. The results of the study reveal among many others the effects of
dust assaults on people living in the dry belt zone to include lung cancer,
renal failure, infertility, cough, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis decreased
RBC, PCV and Hb concentration, liver cirrhosis, skin diseases, reduced
lung oxygen saturation level (SPO2
) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)
Rate and generalized impaired resistance to infection in both humans
and animals. Consequently, government at all levels, non-governmental
organisations, religious groups and all stakeholders in human
environment should step up efforts in addressing the issues of public
health as a means of having a healthy society.
Keywords: 

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Published

2013-08-01

How to Cite

Yahi, D., Ojo, N. A., Ngulde, S. I., Dibila, H. M., Telta, A. D., Sambo, N., … Sandabe, U. K. (2013). Public Health and Physiological Implications of Dust Assaults on the People living in the Dry Belt Zone of Nigeria. International Journal of Health and Medical Information (IJHMI), 2(3), 38–56. Retrieved from http://icidr.org.ng/index.php/Ijhmi/article/view/649

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3

Section

Articles

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