By Gift Obiajuru Ukadikebuazua

Residents living around petrol stations are at risk health-wise. Fuel pollutants are found to travel 100 meters, which can cause a health hazard. The high rate of competition between filling stations and residential buildings in different states of Nigeria is alarming and calls for urgent attention from state and local governments.

Erecting petrol stations near residential areas has health implications. The atmosphere in that environment is usually contaminated with airborne particles from gasoline, which are dangerous to health. Research has shown that the pollution from filling stations could possibly contaminate buildings even as far as 100 meters away. Researchers have suggested that filling stations should have at least a 50-meter distance from residential buildings and 100 meters from facilities like hospitals, health centers, maternity homes, and schools. Even when petrol stations may follow modern health and safety rules and principles, it is not good to be around residential areas for health reasons and other implicating effects on that environment.

Despite the warnings that the evaporations from gasoline expose people around those areas to health complications such as lung, kidney, and brain diseases, residential buildings are either built next to a filling station(s) or filling station(s) are built next to residential buildings. Actually, the quest to make high returns and gains has been the motive behind establishing filling stations in those locations.

Effects of Filling Stations in Residential Areas:

Erecting filling stations in residential areas can have repercussions, which include:

• Noise pollution: Filling stations can generate noise pollution due to vehicle traffic, car engine noises, and loud equipment like air compressors and pumps.

• Environmental and health impact: Filling stations generate pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM) that contribute to air pollution. This can lead to health issues and reduced air quality in residential areas.

• Traffic congestion: Filling stations often attract vehicle traffic. This leads to increased congestion on roads, making it more difficult for residents to navigate their neighborhoods and causing delays during busy times.

• Health concerns: Filling stations usually have convenience stores or fast-food outlets attached to them. The availability of unhealthy food options and limited access to healthier alternatives can contribute to poor dietary choices and potential health complications for residents.

Although no place on Mother Earth is safe enough, certain rules of life are expected to be regarded, especially when it comes to safety. Therefore, a certain distance away from the filling stations or residential buildings is mandatory.

Therefore, with this little assessment, I implore the component governments (state and local) of the federation to look into the effects of building filling stations in residential areas and vice versa.

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