AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH HAZARDS IN HUMAN SUBJECTS: PHYSIOLOGICAL AND SELF-REPORT INDICES

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of air pollution on the physical and mental health of human adult subjects. Three different areas of Calcutta Metropolis, namely industrial, commercial and residential regions, were selected following the criteria given by National Environment Engineering Research Institute, West Bengal Pollution Control Board and Calcutta Corporation. Subjects were selected randomly and were matched in age, sex, education, occupation, marital status, family type, etc. with the exception that they were the residents in the three different areas. Migrated subjects were excluded from this study. Subjects investigated were reported to be free from any neurological deficit. Psychological (STAI, Stressful life events, Cornell Medical Index, Personality questionnaire) and physiological (Basal skin conductance) measures were employed with each of these subjects in two sessions. Results revealed that residents of the industrial area were highly affected in terms of physical and mental health. They complained of throat and eye irritation, respiratory problems, tension and anxiety much more than the inhabitants of the residential area. Inhabitants of the commercial area fell in-between. Appropriate theoretical interpretation of the data have been made.