Abstract
This study is focused on the relationship between industrial (iron and steel) air pollution and its effects on human health. Two groups of targeted populations were selected. Thirty-six (36) industries were selected for emission sampling. One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were taken from the nearby residential area using a random sampling method. Results show that the amount of pollutants emitted from the stack are above the threshold level. The national environmental quality standards of EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for pollutants are SO2 (1700 mg/ Nm3 ), CO (800 mg/ Nm3 ), NOx (600 mg/Nm3 ) and PM10 (300 mg/Nm3 ) but emission values of these pollutants were much higher than standard values. A chi-square test was used for the analysis of data. The air quality index represents the key objective to increase awareness among citizens. The AQI used by EPA has been applied to the study area, to checks the air pollution in the study site. The obtained value from AQI has been accompanying by different colors letting this information be instinctive. The value of AQI of individual pollutants (PM10, NOx , SO2 , and CO) was lying between moderate to a very unhealthy category in the study area. The values of PM10 and SO2 are threatening for everyone that may cause more serious health effects. The results of this research indicate that most of people are affected by industrial smoke and suffering from different kinds of allergies, headache, nose infection respiratory problems, stomach problems, high pulse rate and physiological diseases like short breath and feeling chocked in the study area
