ENVIRONMENT

Air Pollution and Incidence of Morbid Conditions in Bangalore City

A pilot study conducted by the Department of Management studies of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore reviewed the levels of pollutants, measured during 1985-86, such as hydro-carbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen at certain critical points in the central area of Bangalore city and projected the trends into the future (1987-1991). Exposure levels determined by a consideration of vehicular type and emissions at physoiological breathing zones of commuters and pedestrians revealed that critical levels are exceeded at most of the key points in the city. The same trend would continue in future too, unless preventive measure are taken soon. During the study to integrate these results with prevailing total air degradation and morbidity conditions in the city. Thus, a total picture regarding air pollution emission loads emerging out of other sources such as domestic and industrial sectors has to be taken into consideration for an assessment. The possible association of pollution levels with morbid state of health conditions has to be understood. Only then will it be possible to arrive at appropriate levels of pollutants permissible for Bangalore city. Explanatory investigation was carried out in two stages. In stage 1, the air quality assessments were conducted and in stage 2, health impact of sample population due to exposure to pollutants in the risk prone areas was analyzed.

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