Ouagadougou air pollution exceeds WHO recommendations, says Lieutenant-Colonel Idrissa Ouédraogo

His study, based on data from the national air quality monitoring system, highlights the health implications for residents. Ouédraogo, now a certified intermediate-level field epidemiologist, undertook this research as part of the Field Epidemiology Training Program FETP. He explained that air pollution was identified as a major public health issue that was not yet thoroughly studied using available national data.

The study focused on PM2.5 and PM10 particles because of their known harmful effects on human health, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The research utilized data from the national air quality monitoring system, specifically from devices like DustTrak and EcoSmart sensors. Measurements were taken at various sites with different characteristics, such as the Patte d'Oie roundabout high traffic, Kossodo industrial activity, and Yalgado-Ouédraogo University Hospital less direct exposure.

The findings showed PM2.5 concentrations reaching nearly 600 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the WHO's daily recommendation of 15 micrograms. Similarly, PM10 levels surpassed 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to the WHO's 45 micrograms and the national limit o