ABSTRACT
Industrial cassava processing can produce toxic waste in the atmosphere. The effect of volatile Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) on the health of cassava processors producing gari in ill-ventilated sheds is concerning, and the women and children are often exposed to high levels of HCN liberated during frying. Some meteorological conditions can exacerbate the effects of atmospheric pollutants. The topographical location of factories gains added significance and urgency if lower, safer cyanide levels in cassava products are to produce net improvements in human health. The geographical location for large-scale commercial processing of bitter cassava affects the atmospheric conditions which are critical for rapid cyanide dissipation. Atmospheric dispersion levels depend mainly on the role of the wind, stability and inversions, and topography. “The solution to pollution is dilution”, and dilution of pollutants depends upon wind speed, which in turn depends on atmospheric instability.
