UNIMED urges Ondo residents to mask up over unhealthy air

The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, has urged residents of the state to adopt the use of facemasks due to the unhealthy air in the atmosphere.

According to researchers from the institution, the dry season, which will extend to March 2025, is responsible for the harsh atmosphere.
While revealing the quality of air in the state, which was conducted in the latter part of 2024, the researchers suggested that individuals should, among other things, “use facemasks in the dry season, especially at the pollution hotspots, drink more water to avoid dehydration, and also cover their heads with protective headgear, especially in the afternoon.”

The research conducted by Oluwajenrola Akintomide, Christopher Olowookere, and Roseangela Nwuba in conjunction with IQAir in the USA further stated that “there was moderate air quality in August, September, and October, while in the dry months of November and December, the ambient air was unhealthy for sensitive groups and unhealthy for the general public. The air quality exceeded the WHO-recommended limit of 50.”

“The study was conducted using a ground-based observatory at the University of Medical Sciences Ondo, Odosida Campus, Nigeria. Real-time data on ambient air quality was monitored from August to December 2024 and transmitted to cloud storage. The big data was downloaded and analyzed using Python analytical tools.”

According to the lead researcher, Oluwajenrola Akintomide, the dry season in Ondo, Southwest Nigeria, is expected to extend to March 2025.
He said, “Therefore, the general public in Ondo and other locations in Nigeria should protect themselves from the increased particulate matter concentrations and temperature values associated with the dry season.”

The researchers recommended that the government should organize public enlightenment programs on the adverse health effects of air pollution, the safety precautionary measures, and improve the current economic situation in the nation.

He said, “The government should tar all road networks in Ondo and, by extension, Nigeria, to reduce road dust; introduce mass transit buses to reduce motorcycle density on the highway, among other solutions.”