John Esimaje Moyegbone

Introduction: Gas flaring is a vital environmental issue that has a negative influence on health of population that host natural gases and oil wells. Exacerbated risk of abnormal outcomes for pregnant women and newborn babies are of great concern in maternal and child health. The researchers aimed to examine how gas flaring impact acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in women that were pregnant and newborn babies. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 483 pregnant women of reproductive age, antenatal caregivers and healthcare professionals at health facilities in Delta State Central Senatorial District. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, a structured survey questionnaire was used to collect respondents’ RDS experiences and that of their new borne. Data were statistically analysed with the use of SPSS. Significant level was considered at P<0.05 Results: Among the 326 children recruited, 205 (42.4%) had experienced respiratory distress. Of the 483 women, 54% suffered from respiratory disease and 33% of the children had been admitted for respiratory distress on a weekly basis. While the age, educational level, gender, and marital status of women were not significant statistically with having children experiencing RDS, bearing children was statistically significant (P<0.001). Health professional reported that developing severe lung infection, release of black carbon and asthma sufferers were major risk factors to RDS. Conclusion: Findings showed that there was an increased prevalence of RDS among the study sub-population. RDS contributes more to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, hence it is important to address this public health issue

The effects of blue light on human eyes, particularly from Light-emitting diode (LED) sources such as televisions, phones, and laptops, have been extensively studied to understand its implications. This review evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of blue-light exposure to the eyes, synthesizing findings from over 75 published works accessed through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Mendeley Reference Library. Blue light plays a vital role in night vision, colour discrimination, and non-visual physiological processes. It activates melanopsinphotopigments, essential for regulating melatonin, circadian rhythms, mood, memory, pupillary reflex, locomotor activity, and body temperature. However, exposure to the narrow blue-violet wavelength range (435±20 nm) can induce retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell apoptosis. Prolonged exposure disrupts sleep-wake cycles, accelerates RPE cell degeneration, increases retinal cellular acidity, contributes to cataract formation, and causes digital eye strain. While blue light is not entirely harmful, prolonged and unregulated exposure poses health risks. Protective strategies include using blue-light filters, intraocular lenses that block blue light and blue-blocking spectacles, which can mitigate digital eye strain and phototoxic retinal damage. Also, antioxidants may counteract oxidative stress caused by blue light. The findings underscore the need for longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term risks and benefits of blue-light exposure and to develop targeted interventions for safeguarding visual health.