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This study assessed the concentrations of air pollutants and their association with meteorological parameters in restaurants and kitchens at the University of Benin. Ten (10) restaurants and kitchens were randomly selected within the University environment. The particulates (PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10), relative humidity (RH) and temperature were quantified using Dienmern DM106A Air Quality Detector, while carbon monoxide (CO) and wind speed (WS) were monitored using the Smart Sensor AS8700A device and Holdpeak 866B digital anemometer respectively. The results showed that the indoor meteorological and air quality parameters ranged between 34.8 to 35.8°C and 34.5 and 35.9°C (Temp); 42.8 to 70.2% and 39.7 to 66.9 (RH); 1.1 to 2.0 m/s and 1.2 to 1.8 m/s (WS); 0 25.4 and 0.0 to 28.7 mg/m3 (CO); 28.9 to 42.4 µg/m3 and 24.4 µg/m3 to 30.6 (PM1.0); 47.0 to 75. µg/m3 and 37.4 to 50.3 µg/m3 (PM2.5);62.3 to 91.0 µg/m3 and 53.6 to 56.8 µg/m3 (PM10) in the restaurants and kitchens respectively. The mean concentrations of the particulates were above the recommended regulatory limits in all the sampling locations. The CO concentrations were only above the allowable limits in two locations at the kitchens. There were generally significant but weak correlations between the observed meteorological parameters and the air pollutants (R= -0.352, - 0.419; p<0.001), except for CO and indoor temperature in the kitchens (R=0.649; p<0.001). The AQI status of the kitchens and restaurants varied from moderate, to unhealthy. This study raises the need for proper ventilation of restaurants and kitchens and awareness creation on the effects of air pollution-related health effects.
