The Lagos State Government has stressed the need for green and improved air quality across the State to ensure healthy living for the citizenry, noting that the present air quality in many parts of the State as indicated in the State’s Air Quality Index is unhealthy.
As a result, the State government has called for the understanding and joint efforts of the public towards achieving a common and sustainable action plan, geared towards mitigating the climate change effect and its attendant consequences on human health.
The General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency ( LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi stated this at the weekend during a media briefing organised to analyse the implication of the current air quality in some parts of the State as indicated in the released air quality index last week.
Ajayi noted that the air quality index as released by his Agency recently was an indication that there is a need for people to be more conscious of what they do to the environment, imploring residents to retrace their steps and join hands with the government in protecting the environment through actions and activities that are more environmentally friendly.
The General Manager, while highlighting some likely consequences of poor air quality as indicated in the index, stated that people in the affected areas may suffer from respiratory-related diseases such as lung infections, asthma, cystic fibrosis, mesothelioma, pulmonary hypertension and running nose among others.
Other common diseases that may be found in areas with poor air quality, according to the General Manager, include high blood pressure, sight problems, irritation, heart problems, worsened underlying health conditions and other related health issues.
While highlighting some of the human activities aiding poor air quality and other climate change-related problems, Ajayi listed emissions from generators in residential areas where there is no regular supply of electricity, adding that vehicular emissions also contributed in no small way to poor air quality in some areas as most motorists pay little or no attention to the maintenance of their vehicles.
He also identified agricultural and industrial emissions as another major contributor to poor air quality, noting that there are other worrisome issues of agricultural activities such as the burning of cow skin as well as emissions from areas with large concentrations of industries.
“The entire Lagos has pockets of industries in different areas, so in areas with high industrial concentration, you will have poorer air quality’’, Ajayi stated
To regain green and quality air for improved healthy living, the LASEPA boss underscored the importance of tree planting and urged residents to cultivate the habit of planting trees in homes and neighbourhoods to absorb carbon dioxide emitted into the environment.
He urged the people to mark their major celebrations with tree planting to increase the number of trees in public places, adding that tree planting advocacy must be strengthened in all public and private schools so that the youths can imbibe the culture.
While recommending the use of green energy such as solar panels and avoiding as much as possible, the burning of diesel to generate light, Ajayi noted that green energy is safer, more secure and very environmentally friendly than diesel or gasoline oil.
The General Manager also advised that people must reduce the number of vehicles on roads through carpooling or a preference for public transportation rather than individuals putting their vehicles on roads daily.
He vowed that his agency would continue to monitor the environment and implement policies that would ensure compliance with government regulations and guidelines towards achieving a cleaner, safer and pollution-free environment befitting the status of the State as the nation’s Centre of Excellence and the 5th largest economy in Africa.
