By Albert Oppong-Ansah, GNA
Accra, Nov. 3, GNA – Levels of some harmful air pollutants in selected Ghanaian communities are higher than recommended health limits, raising concerns about the impact of road traffic and other human activities on public health, a study has found.
The study, led by Professor William Ackaah, Deputy Director of the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), identified high levels of sulphur dioxide and fine dust particles in some of the locations assessed.
Professor Ackaah said the findings highlighted the need for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to pay greater attention to air pollution in their development and transport planning.
He presented the findings at a clean air boot camp organised by Clean Air Fund to equip local government leaders with knowledge and practical measures to address air pollution.
The research covered selected locations across 25 MMDAs, using traffic surveys and air quality monitoring to establish the relationship between vehicle movements and pollution levels.
The research team used Google Maps to identify busy road junctions before conducting physical assessments and counting vehicles to determine the volume and types of vehicles using the roads.
The findings showed that private cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) accounted for a significant proportion of traffic, raising concerns about the efficient use of road space, particularly when compared with vehicles capable of carrying more passengers.
The researchers also measured different pollutants in the air and compared the results with recommended levels set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The analysis showed that sulphur dioxide, a harmful gas released mainly through the burning of fuels, recorded an average level more than six times the WHO benchmark.
Dust particles small enough to enter the respiratory system also exceeded recommended levels. The average level of PM10, which refers to tiny airborne particles that can enter the lungs, was about 1.5 times the WHO benchmark.
Professor Ackaah said the findings varied across locations, depending on traffic volumes, the types of vehicles, road conditions and weather patterns.
He explained that air pollution from busy roads could also affect people living beyond the immediate roadside, with the study detecting its influence more than 200 metres from some road junctions.
The findings suggest that people living, working or attending school near busy roads could be exposed to pollutants even when they are not directly beside the roads.
Professor Ackaah said the research also examined vehicle emissions against recommended standards to establish the contribution of different categories of vehicles to air pollution.
He called for stronger attention to vehicle maintenance, improved traffic management and the promotion of public transport to reduce emissions.
Professor Ackaah said the findings would inform policy recommendations to help assemblies develop practical interventions to improve air quality.
He urged local authorities to incorporate air pollution concerns into their development plans and infrastructure projects, particularly in communities experiencing heavy traffic.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Albert Oppong-Ansah
Email: [email protected]