AIR POLLUTION AND LUNG HEALTH IN THE GAMBIA
Air pollution: a global problem with local implications
Air pollution is a significant environmental threat to human health, responsible for about 7 million premature deaths globally. The Gambia is undergoing rapid environmental changes with increasing levels of air pollution due to population growth, large-scale urbanization and economic development, largely powered by burning of fossil fuels that puts many citizens at risk of adverse health outcomes.
Globally, 2.3 million deaths are attributable to environmental exposure to household air pollutants (HAP). In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) published Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), identifying six (6) pollutants harmful to human health:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
- Coarse particulate matter (PM10)
- Ozone (O₃)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
Particulate matter (PM) are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs but fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) can penetrate into the bloodstream, resulting in lung function and cardiovascular impairment. In 2013, outdoor air pollution and particulate matter were classified as carcinogenic by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Most Gambians, especially women are exposed to, and overrepresented in activities and occupations both in the home and outside, that exposes them to air pollutants. Household air pollution (HAP) from the incomplete combustion of biomass fuels during cooking is a leading source of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and other air pollutants. Women, especially in rural areas, who are involved in agriculture, gardening, fish processing and other activities are at an increased risk of developing poor health outcomes due to occupational exposures to pollutants during these activities.
According to a report by the United Nations Environment Program, over 95% of the Gambian population were using solid fuels in 2008 (the last year data was reported). Currently, there are no published national ambient air quality standards, policies, or legislation, and The Gambia does not have an Air Quality Monitoring Network (AQMN).
