Vulnerability of the Populations of the Fifth District of Cotonou to Sanitary Risks Related to Cement Production (Benin, West Africa)

Abstract

Populations have lived closer industrial sites since a long time. But by the time, the coexistence of industrial sites and ci sometimes lead to major accidents with dramatic consequences. The study aims at evaluating the sanitary risks related to the production of cement by the Cements Society of Benin (SCB) on the populations of the fifth district of Cotonou. Socio anthropogenic investigations based on individual techniques of interview and direct observation allowed to identify the sanitary risks around the cement factory. The analysis of results is done from deductive method and descriptive approach. The results revealed that around the SCB, the populations experienced some diseases like respiratory pathologies (Asthma 67%, Sharp Respiratory Infections 88%), ophthalmic infections (41%) and dermatitis (48%). Based on those results, one can say that supplementary efforts of integrated investment remain to be done by the authorities and the cements society of Benin (SCB) for a reduction of the pollution sources