Particulate pollution at construction sites of Kolkata and associated health burden for exposed construction workers

Abstract

The present study assesses the construction dust pollution scenario and associated health burden for construction sites at Kolkata metropolis. The generated PM levels well exceeded 24 h and annual air quality guideline levels prescribed by World Health Organization (599.52–27,238.41% and 1998.56–81,915.22% respectively for PM10 and 1028.78–23,691.68% and 3286.34–71,275.03% respectively for PM2.5). Health burden in terms of population attributable fraction (PAF) attributed to associated mortality risks are estimated. The PAF ranged between 0.28 and 1.00 for elevated PM10 exposure. For PM2.5 exposure the PAF ranged between 0.70 and 1.00. When compared with the average Kolkata city residents, the health burden of the exposed construction workers is found to be alarmingly higher. Considering the mortality risks for all non-accidental causes, 57–99% (for PM10 exposure) and 62–100% (for PM2.5 exposure) of the construction workers are found to be susceptible compared to only 32% and 22% of the average Kolkata city residents respectively. Similar kind of health burden could be observed for different cause-specific mortality risks also. The stochastic nature of the influencing variables while calculating health risks are handled through Monte Carlo's Simulation (MCS). The situation demands for immediate control and mitigation measures.