Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has warned petrol hawkers to desist from operating in the FCT.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Director of AEPB, Mrs Aishat Adebayo.
In the statement, Adebayo said that such activity was prohibited under the AEPB Act, 1979.
She said that AEPB would no longer tolerate activities of fuel black marketers and advised that sale of petrol should be restricted to petrol stations because of the risks involved.
“The dangers posed by this unwholesome act to health and property of Abuja residents are enormous and cannot be justified.
“Petrol is flammable and poisonous to the health and can lead to irritation or dermatitis.
“Breathing petrol fumes is dangerous and exposure to vapour concentrations can cause respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea and loss of coordination.
“Higher concentrations may cause loss of consciousness, cardiac sensitisation, coma and death resulting from respiratory failure,” she said.
She advised Abuja residents not to expose themselves to petrol fumes.
Adebayo called on residents to avoid patronising road side petrol hawkers whom she said were in the habit of altering the quality of the product.
“AEPB will not spare authorised marketers and gas stations found aiding and abetting this unscrupulous act,” she warned.
The director also advised the city cleaning contractors to improve on their mandate of frequently cleaning up the FCT in line with their terms of engagement or risk termination of their contracts.
She expressed gratitude to Abuja residents for their understanding and support so far in the board’s quest for a sustainable environment. (NAN)
