An air quality control expert, Mr Asuquo Asuquo, has said air pollution is a public health emergency in Nigeria that requires cross-sectorial intervention.

He said intervention was required to secure lives and preserve the nation’s environment.

Asuquo spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

Country Manager and Marketing Lead of a Lagos-based technological company, Asuquo said the government would have to play a leading role in creating the enabling structures, regulations and laws.

“There is no hardline in tackling air pollution. There are different perspectives and contributors to the risk of air pollution, which cuts across sectors such as transportation from car and truck emissions.

“Also, agricultural activities such as bush burning in preparation for farming; emissions of gases into the atmosphere from industries and businesses; incineration of solid waste to release particulate matter pollution into the air and the list continues.

“As a result, dealing with air pollution is a multi-sectorial approach that will need legislation to be effective.

“We are building partnerships with relevant stakeholders starting with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Nigeria Medical Association and the media to mention a few, “ he said.

He said that various studies in the country showed that children under five years risked death through air pollution-related pneumonia, while adults suffered from heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

According to him, there is still need to do more to create the needed awareness and let people know how their action or inaction exposes them and the environment to the dangers of air pollution.

“Creating more awareness is critical as most people, especially in highly risky locations such as Port Harcourt are not aware of the health risk involved.

“Air pollution is a silent killer; it builds up in your system and as a result most people take it for granted, but before they realised it, it is usually is too late as the damage at that point may be irreversible.

“We are going to be leveraging strategic partnerships with critical stakeholders like government agencies, the media, and international development partners to scale our reach, “ Asuquo said.