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Review

A Scoping Review on Air Quality Monitoring, Policy and Health in West African Cities

1
Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
2
University Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, ARENES–UMR 6051, F-35000 Rennes, France
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 9151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239151
Received: 2 November 2020 / Revised: 3 December 2020 / Accepted: 3 December 2020 / Published: 7 December 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Geography and Its Relevance for Future Public Health)
Ambient air pollution is a global health threat that causes severe mortality and morbidity from respiratory, cardiovascular, and other diseases. Its impact is especially concerning in cities; as the urban population increases, especially in low- and middle-income countries, large populations risk suffering from these health effects. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprises 15 West African countries, in which many cities are currently experiencing fast growth and industrialization. However, government-led initiatives in air quality monitoring are scarce in ECOWAS countries, which makes it difficult to effectively control and regulate air quality and subsequent health issues. A scoping study was performed following the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework in order to assess the precise status of air quality monitoring, related policy, and legislation in this region. Scientific databases and gray literature searches were conducted, and the results were contrasted through expert consultations. It was found that only two ECOWAS countries monitor air quality, and most countries have insufficient legislation in place. Public health surveillance data in relation to air quality data is largely unavailable. In order to address this, improved air quality surveillance, stricter and better-enforced regulations, regional cooperation, and further research are strongly suggested for ECOWAS. View Full-Text
Keywords: urban air pollution; West Africa; ECOWAS; public health; air quality monitoring; air quality standards urban air pollution; West Africa; ECOWAS; public health; air quality monitoring; air quality standards
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MDPI and ACS Style

Mir Alvarez, C.; Hourcade, R.; Lefebvre, B.; Pilot, E. A Scoping Review on Air Quality Monitoring, Policy and Health in West African Cities. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 9151. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239151

AMA Style

Mir Alvarez C, Hourcade R, Lefebvre B, Pilot E. A Scoping Review on Air Quality Monitoring, Policy and Health in West African Cities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(23):9151. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239151

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mir Alvarez, Celia, Renaud Hourcade, Bertrand Lefebvre, and Eva Pilot. 2020. "A Scoping Review on Air Quality Monitoring, Policy and Health in West African Cities" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 23: 9151. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239151

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