Perceived Influence of Environmental Pollution on the Health of the People in Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract

Toxic chemicals and substances escape to the environment through a
number of natural and anthropogenic activities and may cause adverse effects
on human health and the environment. The study examined the perceived influence of environmental pollution on the health of the people of Ilorin
metropolis. Specifically, the study sought to find out whether people in
Ilorin Metropolis perceive air pollution to influence cardiovascular, lung
and skin diseases. A descriptive research design of survey type was employed
for the study. A sample of 400 heads of households was selected across
household in the three Local Government Areas that made up Ilorin
Metropolis using multistage sampling technique. A researcher developed
questionnaire tagged “QPIEPOH” which was validated by three Jurors and
tested for reliability using test re-test method was used for the study. A
result of 0.76r clearly indicated the instrument was reliable. Chi-square
was used to analyze the data for the study at 0.05 alpha level of significance.
The findings revealed that the people in Ilorin metropolis perceived exposure
to environmental pollution as influencing normal functioning of the heart,
[calculated ÷2
 value (355.5) > table value (16.9)]; lungs [calculated ÷2
value (301.5) > table value (16.9)]; and skin [calculated ÷2
 value (355.5)
> table value (16.9)]. It was concluded that people in Ilorin Metropolis
have significantly perceived environmental pollution as a major cause of
heart attacks, unexplained cough, tuberculosis and skin infections. It was
recommended that the people in Ilorin Metropolis should protect themselves
from harmful effects of pollution.