By Abbas Nazil
Kano State is facing a severe public health emergency following alarming levels of air pollution in key areas including Gaida, Ja’en, Sabon Titi, and Sharada Market.
Environmental tests have confirmed dangerous concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 24.2µg/m³, far above safe thresholds.
This has triggered a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, prompting the state government to declare the air quality in these areas hazardous and announce immediate intervention measures.
Residents have raised the alarm over the deteriorating air quality, with many linking their worsening health to industrial pollution.
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Ibrahim Sulaiman, a resident of Ja’en, described the situation as a “coughing epidemic,” saying that nearby factories release chemical fumes at night.
A tuberculosis survivor in Gaida believes the toxic air contributed to his poor health, while others report breathing difficulties, persistent coughs, and other symptoms associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Health professionals have expressed grave concern over the long-term implications of the pollution.
Professor Isa Abubakar, a leading health expert, emphasized that prolonged inhalation of polluted air can lead not only to asthma attacks and lung cancer, but also to neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and other mental health disorders.
The Kano State Ministry of Environment has attributed the crisis to unchecked industrial emissions and haphazard urban development.
The government has pledged to implement emergency actions to mitigate the pollution and protect public health as affected communities await swift and effective response to the growing health crisis.
