RESPIRATORY HEALTH HAZARDS FACED BY TRAFFIC WARDENS IN HEAVILY TRAFFICKED ROADSIDE: A STUDY FROM DISTRICT LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Auto exhaust gaseous pollutants and roadside dust in the populated areas are quite high and this is major health hazards to the public at large and particular to the inhabitants of these areas. The worst thing about pollution caused by vehicles is that the pollutants are emitted at the near ground level where we breathe. Pollution from numerous sources gets reflected in increased mortality and morbidity and is revealed through symptoms like cough, headache, irritation of eyes, various bronchial problems among others. The present study was conducted to monitor air Quality of PM2.5 and PM10 in Defense, Gulberg, Jail Road, and Model Town Lahore by using portable air sampler. Samples were taken for two weeks. Readings were taken in morning and evening. The readings of PM2.5 and PM 10 were higher than the permissible limits by National Ambient Air Quality standards (NAAQS). On the basis of these findings it is concluded the increasing number of vehicles have negative impacts on the air quality of Lahore, long term exposure to gases, fumes and chemicals which are present in the environment near heavy traffic are harmful and dangerous for the lungs. So it is suggested that during the duty hours in busy traffic areas, the traffic wardens should use personal protective equipment and the Government should provide the proper personal protective equipment to traffic wardens.