By Ayo Onikoyi

For residents of Rumuolumeni in Port Harcourt, black soot is more than an environmental nuisance—it is a threat to life. In a pioneering study published in the Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, Dr Yisa Adeniyi Abolade and his co-authors investigated the devastating health impacts of emissions from unregulated petroleum refineries in the region.

This study, which brought together environmental scientists, medical professionals, and statisticians, offers one of the most detailed analyses yet of the link between air pollution and public health outcomes in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.

“Our findings confirm what many residents have long suspected—there is a direct and dangerous link between black soot exposure and rising respiratory illnesses,” said Abolade.

The research draws on clinical data from local hospitals, revealing an alarming spike in cases of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary tuberculosis, and bronchitis—all linked to sustained exposure to particulate pollution.

Unregulated “kpoo fire” refineries, often set up in the bush with makeshift materials, have multiplied across the Niger Delta. They burn crude oil inefficiently, releasing high volumes of fine black carbon into the atmosphere.

“The danger lies not just in what you can see, but what you can’t,” said Abolade. “PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, triggering serious health conditions—even in people who appear healthy.”

The study notes that children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable. It calls for urgent government intervention to enforce environmental regulations and dismantle illegal refining sites.

In addition to hospital records, the research team conducted community-level assessments to understand behavioural changes prompted by the pollution. Residents reported cleaning surfaces more frequently, avoiding outdoor activity, and in some cases, contemplating relocation.

For Abolade, this work reflects his commitment to using data science for social justice. “Numbers have power. When we measure harm, we give communities the evidence they need to demand action,” he said.

He believes that Nigeria’s environmental agencies must act with greater urgency and transparency. “This isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a public health emergency,” he added.

The study also recommends a sustained health audit of the region, improved air quality monitoring, and support for medical institutions to cope with the surge in pollution-related illnesses.

By drawing international attention to the crisis, Abolade and his colleagues hope to stimulate both local and global accountability. The report suggests that long-term solutions lie in alternative livelihoods, cleaner energy investment, and community-led monitoring systems.

“This work is personal to me,” said Abolade. “As a Nigerian, I see firsthand how extractive industries exploit not just resources, but people’s health and futures. Our research is a step toward changing that.”