HUMAN HEALTH AND POLLUTANTS

Epidemiological study to find the Effect of Air Pollutants especially Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) and other carcinogens on Human Health in Delhi.

An Epidemiological study is being carried out to find the Effect of Air Pollutants especially Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) and other carcinogens on Human Health in Delhi. The study is being carried out by Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata and is sponsored by CPCB. The duration of study is three years. The objectives of the study are as follows:

  • To prepare a database on air pollution related respiratory symptoms among the residents of Delhi.

  • To assess the degree of lung function impairment in persons chronically exposed to city’s air.

  • To explore the underlying mechanism of air pollution related pulmonary dysfunction at the cellular and subcellular level.

The scope of work involves health assessment including evaluation of respiratory symptoms through questionnaire survey and clinical examination, assessment of lung function, assessment of cellular lung response to air pollution, assessment of systemic effects of Delhi’s air pollution, assessment of hematological profile, changes in liver and kidney function, assessment of genotoxic effects and correlation between health effect and air quality.

  • Health Camps

36 health camps have been held during Nov. 2002 to April 2004. The camps so far have been held in winter, summer and monsoon seasons. The camps have been held in various parts of Delhi covering East Delhi, West Delhi, Central Delhi, South Delhi and North Delhi. The camps have been held in Arjun Nagar, Mayur Vihar, Sangam Park Extn, Nizamuddin, Jagatpuri, Sanjay Marg, Arjun Nagar, Paschim Vihar, Kangan Heri, Janakpuri, New Delhi Railway Station, Rajinder Nagar, Hailey Road, Paharpur Business Center, Tughlaqabad Inst. Area, Nehru Place, Okhla, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Siri Fort, Jawahar Lal Nehru College, Kirorimal College, Ashok Vihar

  • Sample Details

Sample Size: 2379 individuals have been surveyed through questionnaires & 1270 individuals were clinically examined & samples collected

Age of the people was in the range of 20 to 75 yrs., 725 female & 1654 male have been surveyed

  • Interim Findings

Lung function was tested by spirometry. The interim findings indicate that 46.1 % of the people (non smokers) had impaired lung function, 24.7 % had restrictive impairment, 14.2 % had obstructive impairment and 7.2% of the people had combined impairment.

Study on Ambient Air Quality, Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function of Children in Delhi

A study is being carried out in Delhi on Health effects of air pollution on Children in Delhi. The study is being carried out by Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata. The duration of the study is two years. The objective of the study is

  • Assessment of the respiratory health status of school children chronically exposed to ambient air pollution of Delhi and

  • Establishment of a database relating to pollution related respiratory problems among children of the city.

Prevalence, duration and severity of respiratory symptoms will be determined from questionnaire responses and actual tests on various physiological parameters like lung function tests etc.

  • Health Camps

Health camps have been held in 12 schools in various parts of Delhi covering North, South, East, West and Central Delhi. The health camps have been held in winter, monsoon and summer seasons.

  • Sample Size

12 schools have been surveyed till July 2004. 4671 students (3247 boys and 1424 girls) have been surveyed till July 2004.

  • Interim Findings

64 % of the children had impaired lung function. ( 66.7 % of the boys ( n= 73) and 62.2% of the girls ( n = 67) had impaired lung function).