AIR QUALITY

This study investigated the occupational health risks at an airport, focusing on air pollutant concentrations, their spatiotemporal variation, and the associated respiratory health effects among airport workers (N=129). Air quality monitoring was conducted in four areas (Runway, Parking Lot, Departure area, and Reception) during the morning and afternoon periods for carbon dioxide (CO2 ), coarse particulate matter (PM10 ), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ). The data were analysed via ANOVA and paired samples t tests. A survey collected data on workers' sociodemographic, workrelated risks, and self-reported respiratory symptoms. Environmental monitoring identified PM2.5 as the primary air quality hazard. The highest observed mean PM2.5 concentration (24.1 μg/m3) exceeded the strict WHO 24-hour guideline. Statistical analysis confirmed significant spatial variation in PM2.5, with the Runway and Parking Lot acting as hotspots and a highly significant temporal spike in the afternoon (p=0.001). Coughing was the most prevalent reported symptom (57.4% of workers). Chi-square tests revealed a strong correlation between respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, and chest pain) and both smoking and a family history of chronic respiratory issues (p≤0.007 for all). Furthermore, workers demonstrated critical systemic failure in safety protocols, with 83.7% lacking knowledge of the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and 96.9% unaware of routine air quality monitoring. The airport environment presents a substantial and avoidable health risk driven by noncompliant PM2.5 levels and systemic safety management failures. Recommendations include implementing mandatory, hands-on PPE training, establishing a transparent PM2.5 monitoring system in hotspots, and creating an occupational health program to screen and counsel high-risk

Airborne microbial contamination poses a significant public health challenge, particularlyinconfined spaces such as public transport systems where ventilation may be inadequateandpassenger density is high. This study investigates the microbial air quality of municipal busesin Benin City, Nigeria, focusing on bacterial contamination levels and the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of isolated organisms. Using the settle plate method for microbial isolation, bacterial samples were collected from four major bus routes in Benin City: NewBenin, Ring Road, Mission Road, and Uselu. Identification of the isolates was basedoncultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics. The findings revealed varyinglevelsof bacterial contamination across the bus routes, with the highest mean viable bacterial count (2.34 x 10³ ± 0.34 CFU/m³) recorded on the Ring Road bus and the lowest (1.25 x 10³ ±0.08cfu/m³) on the Mission Road bus. Bacterial species identified included Escherichiacoli, Bacillus sp., Proteus sp., Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus sp., andEnterococcus faecalis, with Staphylococcus sp. exhibiting the highest frequencyofoccurrence (60%) across all routes. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed alarmingmultidrug resistance (MDR) patterns, particularly in Staphylococcus sp., emphasizingthegrowing threat of AMR in public spaces. The bacterial counts observed in this studysurpassed WHO-recommended indoor air quality limits, underscoring the necessityforimproved sanitation and disinfection protocols within municipal abuses. The study providescritical data to inform public hygiene policies and supports initiatives aimed at enhancingmicrobial safety in public transport systems, particularly in resource-limited settings likeBenin City.