RESUMO
Objectives: Shopping malls are fast becoming one of the most visited public spaces globally. However, information on the possible environmental conditions in relation to health hazards in shopping malls is poorly documented in developing countries. This study assessed the sanitary conditions, waste management, safety measures and sources of air pollution associated with selected shopping malls in Nigeria.Study Design: a descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted using a comparative approach. Methods: Three shopping malls (Mall Q, Mall R, and Mall S) in urban areas in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, were selected using convenience sampling technique. Three major shopping malls were selected using convenience sampling technique. Fifty seven, thirty five, and twenty nine stores were sampled in Mall Q, Mall R, and Mall S respectively. Direct on-site built environment and sanitary conditions of shopping malls were assessed using an observational checklist. Results: It was observed that all the selected shopping malls had air vents that were free from dust, unbroken walls, and emergency exits, although mold growths were observed on the walls and ceilings of Mall Q and Mall R. Toilet facilities were present and functional across all the shopping malls. Waste management facilities were available across the shopping malls with the absence of overfilled waste bins as regular emptying of the waste bins was a routine. Also, various safety measures and equipment were utilized across all the shopping malls, but safety signals and smoke detectors were absent in Mall R. Furthermore, Mall R and S were 5 m within the proximity of major roads, parking lots and public drainage channels. Conclusions: These findings reveal a need for improvement in the hygiene and sanitary conditions within shopping malls. Hence, there should be periodic environmental monitoring, and proper housekeeping practices should be encouraged in shopping malls in Nigeria.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Groundwater quality can be poor in Nigeria due to indiscriminate refuse dumping. Exposed dumps serve as point source pollution that discharge potentially toxic heavy metals into the environment. OBJECTIVES: The present research aimed to assess the impact of metal pollution on groundwater quality in hand-dug wells around an active dumpsite and to evaluate the long-term human health effects of this pollution. METHODS: Water samples from hand-dug wells used for drinking, irrigation and domestic purposes were collected around the dumpsite. Two samples were collected at each location for cation and anion analyses. Samples for cation analysis were acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid to preserve the elements in the samples, while those for anion analysis were not acidified. Collected samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: Mean concentrations of metals and physical parameters were compared with the World Health Organization's standards (2012). All samples were found to be within permissible limits, except for arsenic (As) (0.13 mg/L), potassium (K) (29.94 mg/L), lead (Pb) (0.38 mg/L), cadmium (Cd) (0.003 mg/L) and average temperature (31.93°C) as a result of corroded service pipes containing Pb in the dumpsites and the reaction of leachates with various materials such as used battery, tins, and electronic wastes which later leaked into the groundwater. The geoaccumulation index revealed Pb to be moderately to highly contaminated in groundwater. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy metal pollution can cause deleterious health effects that can lead to short- and long-term diseases such as keratosis (skin hardening), lung cancer, bladder cancer and ultimately death if proactive steps are not taken. Disposal bags should be provided to all houses in the area, as well as guaranteed waste disposal trucks and dispose of waste at approved sites. In addition, enforcement agents should ensure compliance with rules and regulations. A centralized, deep, double-cased well should be constructed in a clean environment in the study area for drinking and domestic use. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.
