A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON RESPIRATORY DISEASES

An attempt has been made in the present study to investigate the effects of common air pollutants found in the ambient air in Kanpur, such as sulphur dioxide, oxidants, and airborne dust on respiratory diseases among a particular socio-economic group of people. On the basis of the earlier air pollution survey of Kanpur and to keep the effort involved within manageable limits, four typical areas of the city, significantly different in ambient air pollution, were chosen for a comparative study. For the assessment of the health effects the statistical approach of studying sickness and morbidity records from areas with different pollution levels was adopted for studying the influence of ambient air pollution on health. The health effects of common air pollutants as measured by the incidence of respiratory diseases revealed a significant association between such disease incidence and the concentrations of sulphur dioxide and airborne dust. This study also indicates that rather high level of airborne dust observed in Kanpur is not just an aesthetic nuisance but also a potential health hazard. For the covering abstract see ITRD E122175.