A convergent parallel mixed-methods study combining air quality monitoring and community surveys in Ilorin West LGA found PM2.5 and PM10 levels exceeding WHO 24-hour guidelines by 6–10 times across all five sawmill sites, with 76.3% of residents reporting persistent cough and 95.5% supporting sawmill relocation.
Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a global health concern linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and ocular diseases. Industrial sources such as sawmills contribute significantly to local air quality degradation, yet community-level impacts are poorly characterised in Nigeria. This study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design combining air quality monitoring and community surveys in Ilorin West LGA (20–26 February 2025).
PM2.5 and PM10 were measured twice daily at five sawmill sites using the Met One AEROCET 531S (70 data points per pollutant). A structured questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha >0.85) surveyed 400 residents selected via multi-stage sampling, capturing perceptions, health concerns, and mitigation preferences. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA, chi-square).
PM2.5 (98.7–126.5 μg/m³) and PM10 (117.6–146.0 μg/m³) levels exceeded WHO 24-hour guidelines (15 μg/m³, 45 μg/m³) by 6–10 times across all sites, with no significant spatial or diurnal variations (p>0.05). Health symptoms were prevalent: 76.3% reported persistent cough and 45.3% wheezing, with significant associations for residents closer to the sawmill (cough: χ²=115.15, p<0.001). Most residents reported visible dust (87%) and supported sawmill relocation (95.5%).
Chronic PM exposure from sawmills poses serious health risks, particularly among residents living near industrial sites, and reveals gaps in regulatory enforcement. Interventions including real-time air quality monitoring, community health advisory committees, stricter emission controls, and relocation of sawmills are essential to protect public health and support sustainable urban development.
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