Level of Exposure of Populations to Atmospheric Pollution in Southern Benin

This study focuses on monitoring the exposure of populations in South Benin to atmospheric pollution. Thirteen (13) monitoring points were identified where the Air quality measurements were taken using autonomous electronic devices called “Air Quality Monitor”. Calibrated and turned on, the measuring device automatically determines the concentrations of carbon dioxide CO2, Total Organic Compounds, methanal (HCHO), particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity (RH). Per site, air pollution levels are recorded for 5 minutes every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. After the analyses, it appears that the carbon dioxide CO2 contents vary from 400 to 1444 ppm with an average of 486.80 ± 184.3 ppm, the daily contents of Total Volatile Organic Compounds from 0.01 to 6 .91 mg/m3 with a daily average of 0.36 ± 0.65 mg/m3, aldehydes from 0.005 to 3 mg/m3 with an average of 0.05 ± 0.17 mg/m3, for particulate matter of diameters less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) pollution levels vary between 5 and 173.8 μg/m3 with an average of 21.5 ± 17.62 μg/m3. On the other hand, for PM10, the contents vary from 5 to 449.6 μg/m3 with an average of 28.17 ± 31.74 μg/m3, the Air Quality Index (AQI) varies from 0, 3 to 243 with an average of 39 ± 33.16. From the results observed, it appears that the south-western part of South Benin is heavily polluted by CO2, Total Volatile Organic Compounds, PM10 and especially PM2.5 with the city of Cotonou at its head, in particular the Red Star crossroads, the Toyota crossroads and the crossroads after the friendship stadium. The impacts of this pollution could be significant on sensitive people such as the elderly, newborns and patients with acute and chronic respiratory illnesses.