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August 25, 2026
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Oranges, sardines and eggs could help protect people exposed to air pollution, Ghana study finds
Policy
Opportunity
Key Points
- A Ghanaian study (DIMAP) found that dietary interventions can mitigate the health effects of air pollution among street vendors in Accra.
- Researchers provided 307 street vendors with weekly antioxidant-rich foods like oranges, peanuts, eggs, and sardines for 12 months.
- The intervention group reported significantly fewer symptoms associated with air pollution, including a 55% reduction in persistent cough and a 92% reduction in irregular heartbeat.
- The study recommends increasing the intake of antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and fatty fish for individuals exposed to high pollution levels.
- Researchers emphasize that dietary changes are not a substitute for robust air quality regulations and government action to reduce pollution at its source.
Why This Matters
This study is significant for Ghana as it offers a practical and accessible intervention to protect the health of thousands of outdoor workers vulnerable to severe air pollution in urban centers. It provides evidence-based dietary recommendations that can be implemented immediately, while also reinforcing the critical need for government investment in air pollution control policies and infrastructure to address the root causes of the problem.
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