Environmental Hazards of Fossil Fuel Generators for Electricity Supply to Buildings in Nigeria

The paper assessed the environmental hazards of fossil fuel generators' operation in Kaduna, Nigeria. Noise and air pollutions were technically measured using a sound level meter and the IMR1400 Combustion Gas Analyzer respectively. The generator users' perceptions on the environmental, health and social hazards were also assessed through a questionnaire survey. The results show that the mean indoor noise levels when operating the generators (68.65dB) doubles the World Health Organization (WHO) limit (30dB). The outdoor noise level 5m away from the generators (71.16dB) is slightly above the WHO limit (70.00dB). The mean indoor concentrations of SO2 (0.17ppm) and NOX (0.14ppm) exceeded the WHO limits (0.01ppm and 0.04 to 0.06ppm) respectively. The CO concentration (6.18ppm) is however within the WHO limit (10.00ppm). Outdoor, the mean concentrations of all three pollutants at point source – CO (916.00ppm), SO2 (45.16ppm) and NOX (1.80ppm) – exceeded the WHO limits (10.00, 0.01 and 0.04 to 0.06ppm respectively). The questionnaire survey confirmed widespread use of the generators (89.9% of the households) and users' awareness of the associated environmental, health and social implications. Government was called upon to regulate use of fossil fuel generators, promote use of less hazardous alternatives and provide adequate uninterrupted electricity across the country