Outdoor and indoor particle air pollution and its health consequences in African cities: New evidence and an exhortation

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution has been identified as the leading cause of disease burden in Africa. A greater understanding of particle air pollution and its negative health effects is critical for developing effective and long-term solutions to air pollution. The current research on outdoor and indoor particle pollution concentrations and their health effects in populated African cities was summarised in this study. In academic research databases, 71 articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2023 were located, with 45 reporting on PM concentrations and 27 examining the health impacts of exposure to airborne particles. A narrative synthesis technique was used in the systematic review to critically analyse and provide descriptive summaries of study findings in tabular form. According to the study, most of the research that assessed particle air pollution burdens focused on either PM2.5 or both PM2.5 and PM10. PM2.5 and PM10 levels in ambient and home air surpassed WHO-recommended threshold values. Sub-Saharan Africa has greater PM concentrations than North Africa. Chronic exposure to outdoor and indoor PM2.5 raised the risk of respiratory infections and pulmonary illnesses, with females, children, and the elderly being more vulnerable. The high levels of PM promote the spread of COVID-19 and cause human capital loss, poverty, low agricultural productivity, a decline in food supply, and a decrease in GDP. Reduced energy consumption, environmentally friendly mobility, increased renewable fuel and clean energy generation, and a shift to sustainable clean cooking are all required to reduce particle air pollution in populated African cities.