The need for open data on air quality monitoring in logistically difficult environments

• Published in: Clean Air Journal = Tydskrif vir Skoon Lug Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 25 - 26
• Main Authors: Abubakari, Aidatu, Hodoli, Collins Gameli, Adzaho, Gameli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Association for Clean Air (NACA) 01.11.2018; National Association for Clean Air
• ISSN: 1017-1703; 2410-972X; 2410-972X
• DOI: 10.17159/2410-972X/2018/v28n2a13

Reports from the World Health Organization indicate that approximately seven million people died in 2012 due to the consequences of poor air quality (WHO, 2014). Air pollution is partly linked to lung and heart diseases, asthma and bronchitis. Efforts have been made in terms of policy and data availability in developed nations to help curb air inequality. Though this has not completely eradicated problems of air inequality, remarkable progress seemed to have been made to reduce air pollution in these countries. The same cannot be said for underdeveloped economies, especially countries in the Sub Saharan Africa, where Ghana belongs. The adverse effects of air pollution on health and general well-being in developing economies is alarming; sadly, availability of open data on air quality to enable scientists and individuals to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of air pollution has become problematic.