Gambians at Risk as Air Pollution Worsens
The Gambia is grappling with an alarming rise in air air pollution, putting the well being of its 2.7 million residents in critical jeopardy. The escalating air pollution ranges threaten to extend the incidence of respiratory illnesses, prompting the Ministry of Health to problem a public advisory urging residents to take protecting measures, corresponding to carrying masks, to defend themselves from the dangerous results of poisonous air.
A Growing Concern
AlhagieJallow, a Gambian getting back from Germany, stands beneath a mango tree within the bustling Westfield space of Banjul, carrying a light-coloured masks. “I always wear a mask when I visit my home country because I believe the air is dangerously polluted,” Jallow says, expressing rising concern in regards to the deteriorating air high quality.
“The government must address the importation of used vehicles from Europe, which are emitting harmful carbon monoxide into the air.”
Jallow’s worries mirror a broader sentiment amongst Gambians who blame the inflow of second-hand autos, typically outdated and extra polluting than newer fashions—for the worsening air high quality.
“These vehicles are no longer fit for use in Europe, but they’re being sold here, contributing to the toxic air we breathe,” he provides.
Health Risks on the Rise
Yorro Camara, additionally donning a masks outdoors a neighborhood restaurant, shares his concern.
“The air is polluted, and it’s dangerous for our health. People are coughing more than ever. Wearing a mask has become essential. Everyone should take this precaution to avoid lung diseases,”he urges. “This air is deadly; if we don’t act now, we could face more severe health crises.”
Fatou Marr, not too long ago discharged from the hospital, attributes her well being points to the worsening air high quality. “I’ve been feeling sick since December 15, when the polluted air really started battering the country,” she says, referring to the spike in air pollution ranges.
“I just got back from the hospital seeking medication for a headache. I believe it’s the dust in the air making everything worse. It’s a common cold, but the air is exacerbating the problem.”
In response to the rising well being menace, the Ministry of Health issued an announcement on December 18, 2024, warning the general public of the extreme well being dangers related to the polluted air. “Recent reports this morning indicate that air pollution levels are rising, reaching alarming levels, predominantly in urban areas,”the assertion reads.
“Exposure to this polluted air can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and heart conditions.”
The Ministry has suggested residents to take precautionary steps to mitigate the dangerous results of poor air high quality.
“Limit outdoor exposure, especially for those with co-morbidities. Mask up, wear glasses while in town, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and keep doors and windows closed to block outdoor air pollution. These simple precautions can go a long way in protecting yourself and your family,” the assertion urges.
Expert Insights
Medical consultants are sounding the alarm in regards to the risks of air air pollution.
Balla Jammeh, a well being officer, attributes the heightened air pollution ranges in The Gambia to a mix of seasonal components and human actions.
The dry season brings the Harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert, carrying mud particles throughout West Africa, together with The Gambia. This, mixed with city air pollution from automobile emissions, industrial actions, and the burning of biomass for cooking, considerably deteriorates air high quality.
Jammeh emphasises the grave well being implications, noting that extended publicity to those pollution can harm important organs, significantly the lungs and coronary heart.
“The lungs are most vulnerable to the fine particles and gases in the air,”Jammeh warns. “Pollution can cause respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and prolonged exposure increases the risk of lung cancer.”
The risks prolong past the lungs – air pollution additionally impacts the cardiovascular system, contributing to coronary heart assaults, strokes, and different heart-related illnesses. The mind is in danger too, with research linking air pollution to cognitive decline, dementia, and psychological well being circumstances corresponding to despair and nervousness.
Environmental Impacts
Muhammed Drammeh, an environmental activist, says the first causes of the worsening air air pollution embody poor waste administration, emissions from autos, industrial actions, and the burning of fossil fuels and biomass.
“Air pollution harms ecosystems by altering soil and water chemistry, damaging crops, and reducing biodiversity,” Drammeh explains. “It accelerates climate change and compromises human and wildlife health.”
He warns that if unaddressed, this environmental destruction will result in biodiversity loss, elevated local weather vulnerabilities, lowered agricultural productiveness, and well being crises, all of which can undermine financial and social growth.
Rising Death Toll
Reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Gambian authorities affirm that air air pollution in The Gambia has worsened in recent times, resulting in a major uptick in respiratory-related hospital visits.
In 2023 alone, over 200 deaths have been instantly linked to air pollution-induced respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, with youngsters, the aged, and people with pre-existing well being circumstances being essentially the most weak.
The air high quality index (AQI) in key city areas like Banjul and Serrekunda ceaselessly reaches hazardous ranges, properly past the beneficial protected limits set by the WHO. During the Harmattan season, which generally lasts from November to February, air air pollution spikes, exacerbating well being points throughout the nation.
A Call to Action
Experts warn that if the scenario continues unchecked, the long-term well being prices each when it comes to medical bills and untimely deaths might be devastating for the nation. The authorities, alongside environmental and well being organisations, is urged to implement stricter automobile emission requirements, promote cleaner power sources, and improve public consciousness in regards to the risks of air air pollution.
By Adama Makasuba
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