Risk Perceptions of Environmental and Health Problems Associated with Artisanal Crude Oil Refining in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

When crude oil is artisanally refined, it releases compounds that contribute to environmental pollution and health problems. The perceptions regarding these problems could be instrumental in tackling the involvement in these illicit activities. This study thus assessed the perception of the environmental and health risks associated with artisanal refining of petroleum products in communities in Bayelsa State. The study was conducted among 615 adult residents of 3 selected communities in Bayelsa State. Multistage sampling was applied in selecting the respondents who provided responses to the administered questionnaires. Necessary ethical considerations were made during the conduct of this study. Results from the study indicate that respondents had good perception regarding the possibility that environmental and health risks could occur as a result of crude oil artisanal refining activities (Criterion mean: 2.5 (62.5%); Grand mean [environmental risks]: 3.25 [81.15%]; Grand mean [health risks]: 3.13 [78.32%]) respectively. The study found that the communities have good perceptions of environmental and health risks associated with the artisanal refining of crude oil in Bayelsa State. There is therefore need for sustained health education to maintain good perceptions of the health and environmental risks associated with petroleum-related artisanal refining.