Assessment of variability in PM and its impact on human health in a West African country.

PM has become a global challenge threatening human health, climate, and the environment. PM is ranked as the most common cause of premature mortality and morbidity. Therefore, the current study endeavors to probe the spatiodynamic characteristics of PM in the Republic of Niger and its impacts on human health from 1998 to 2019. Based on remotely sensed satellite datasets, the study found that the concentration of PM continued to rise in Niger from 68.85 μg/m in 1998 to 70.47 μg/m in 2019. During the study period, the annual average PM concentration is far above the WHO guidelines and the interim target-1 (35 μg/m). The overall annual growth rate of PM concentration in Niger is 0.02 μg/m/year. The health risk (HR) due to PM exposure is also escalated in Niger, particularly, in Southern Niger. The extent of the extremely high-risk areas corresponding to 1 × 10-9.4 × 10 μg.persons/m is increased from 0.9% (2000) to 2.8% (2019). Niamey, southern Dakoro, Mayahi, Tessaoua, Mirriah, Magaria, Matameye, Aguié, Madarounfa, Groumdji, Madaoua, Bouza, Keita, eastern Tahoua, eastern Illéla, Bkomnni, southern Dogon-Doutchi, Gaya, eastern Boboye, central Kollo, and western Tillabéry are experienced high HR due to long-term exposure to PM. These findings indicate that PM causes a serious health risk across Niger. There is an immediate need to carry out its regional control. Therefore, policymakers and the Nigerien government should make conscious efforts to identify the priority target areas with radically innovative appropriate mitigation interventions.