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VOL. 12, ISSUE 12 (2025)
Integrated assessment of air quality in gas plants and its impact on health of attendants
Authors
Adeyemi, Oyeyemi, Adeyemo Adewale Clement
Abstract
Retail gas stations represent critical hotspots of air pollution due to
emissions from fuel dispensing, vehicle exhaust, and storage activities. This
study conducted an integrated assessment of air quality and its health
implications for attendants in thirty (30) retail gas stations across Warri
South Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Air pollutants including
carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), and particulate matter fractions (PM0.3–PM10) were monitored using
calibrated portable instruments, while meteorological parameters were recorded
concurrently. Structured questionnaires were also administered to 120 attendants
to capture demographic profiles, awareness of risks, protective practices, and
self-reported health symptoms. Results indicated that pollutant levels in
forecourts were consistently above international guidelines. CO concentrations
in high-traffic stations averaged 18.6 ± 1.1 ppm, surpassing the World Health
Organization (WHO) 8-hour limit of 10 ppm. H₂S levels (0.04–0.09 ppm) exceeded
the WHO 24-hour guideline of 0.004 ppm, while VOCs ranged between 1.5–2.8 ppm,
far above the WHO benzene limit of 0.006 ppm. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations
peaked at 56.7 µg/m³ and 89.4 µg/m³, respectively, exceeding WHO thresholds by
up to fourfold. Questionnaire findings revealed limited awareness of specific
hazards, negligible personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, long shift
durations, and high prevalence of respiratory irritation (53.3%), headaches
(42.5%), and eye discomfort (32.5%). The study concludes that gas station
attendants face significant occupational risks, with implications for
surrounding communities. Recommendations include stricter enforcement of air
quality standards, provision of PPE, installation of vapour recovery systems,
and structured occupational health surveillance.
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Pages:209-217
How to cite this article:
Adeyemi, Oyeyemi, Adeyemo Adewale Clement "Integrated assessment of air quality in gas plants and its impact on health of attendants". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 12, 2025, Pages 209-217
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