In light of the recurring gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, has urged residents to use wet handkerchiefs rather than nose masks in the event of another gas emission incident.

Dr Coker disclosed this at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting on the gas emission in Ijebu-Ode, held at the Bisi Rodipe Hall, Ijebu-Ode GRA, which was also attended by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, and the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya.

Dr Coker warned against the use of nose masks during a gas emission occurrence, as masks would block the free flow of an affected person’s breathing at a time when oxygen is needed more. She added that wearing a mask at the time of the gas emission will make the affected person feel worse, more tired and more dizzy.

Commissioner Coker explained that the methane gas emitting in Ijebu-Ode is not toxic and has no long-term effect. She said that mild exposure to it causes dizziness, tiredness and a little headache, and a moderate level of exposure causes clumsiness, while a severe level of exposure might lead to loss of consciousness.

In the case of future gas emissions, Commissioner Coker urged residents to evacuate from the areas where the emission is severely felt, and call the Ogun State health emergency number (08112000033) for help.

She disclosed that ambulances are available in Ijebu-Ode for prompt treatment, and said the state government has provided four new ambulances in Ijebu-Ode since the beginning of the gas emission incidents.

Dr Coker also revealed that the state government plans to train 600 people in Ijebu-Ode in basic first aid, which will equip them to provide immediate first aid treatment in the case of a gas emission, before the victims are admitted to the hospital.