Research Projects

Industrial zones, the hot spots of air pollution where airborne particulates (PM2.5 and PM10) are one of the most concerned air pollutants. These particulates are bound with harmful chemicals such as metals, PAHs, and other toxins, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to airborne particulates is associated with increased morbidity and mortality incidences of respiratory diseases. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs), a disease characterized by lung function deficit and airways inflammation, one of the major global health concerns. Particulate matter inhalation can trigger a variety of CRDs including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cystic fibrosis and lung cancer. Its exposure induce airway defence responses that aggravate an incomplete reversible obstruction of the airways and can damage the human respiratory system. In developing countries like India, respiratory diseases are more prevalent in communities surrounding industrial zones due to their operational activities. The vulnerable categories of children, old aged- and industrial workers are more susceptible to respiratory illness, suggest differential impacts depending on age and occupation. CRDs are major public health challenge in industrialized regions, making it an important area of transdisciplinary research of atmospheric chemistry and epidemiological domains because of specific, physiological and biological nature of the particulates. Despite growing evidence of health effects of airborne particulates in urban areas, the association between airborne particulates and prevalence of respiratory morbidities in the communities surrounding industrial zones are underexplored. Therefore, this study investigates the ambient concentrations of particulate matter in an industrial zone of Bundelkhand region and evaluate its relationship with prevalence of respiratory morbidities of living populations. The study will involve one year-round sampling of particulates (PM10 and PM2.5) using high volume samplers followed by chemical analysis of metallic, ionic compositions and their morphological characteristics. Role of meteorological conditions in dispersion and transport of aerosol will also be investigated using statistical modelling tools. Additionally, monitoring of exposed and unexposed communities of industrial zone will be carried out for respiratory illness through a self-administered questionnaire survey and spirometry test. The study will establish relationships among exposure duration, socio-demographic factors, along with their impact on respiratory health symptoms and lung functioning. The outcomes of study holds significant importance for governmental bodies and other key stake-holders to develop effective environmental regulations, air quality interventions, public health policies and advancing scientific understanding.

Airborne particulates, Industries, Metals, Respiratory morbidity, Spirometry