Comparison of Environmental and Occupational Health in Gas Flare Host Communities and those Farther from Gas Flare Sites

Background: Gas flaring occurs during crude oil extraction and can have adverse implications for the community’ health and the environment. Reports show that residents complain about ill-health e.g. insomnia due to heat generated during gas flaring. This article therefore compares the impact on health in gas flaring host and non-gas flaring host communities.

Methodology: This research followed a mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Six questions were asked on occupation, residence, distance from the gas flare, social status in community, health status and family health history. Two questions assessed health status as well as family health history of participants and were semi-qualitative. All questions were adopted from a previously published report. Comparison of environmental and occupational data between host and neighbouring communities was done.

Outcome: Nearness of residence to gas flare sites show increased frequency in the number of ill health issues in respondents and their families. The impact of gas flaring i.e. ill health is high in those near to the site and diabetes is more prevalent amongst other ill-health conditions surveyed. Multiple comparisons show that the group farthest from gas flare site have significantly least proportion of members who are stressed or suffering respiratory problems.

Conclusion: Impact on health or wellbeing among members of gas flaring host communities are more severe when compared to those far. Government policies need to mitigate the adverse effects of gas flaring and the community needs to be educated on the impacts of gas flaring and how this can be minimised.