Air Pollution Associated Health Impact Assessment in a Higher Educational Institution of South Asian Megacity Delhi
摘要
Air quality of a region determines the quality of living. Urban regions are hotspots for poor air quality, which affects different sectors of the population, including children and the elderly. The present study analyzed the air quality status inside a university campus for three consecutive years, 2020 to 2022 and also estimated the respiratory deposition dose (RDD). The mean concentration in the study region was found to have 2 to 3 times more concentration than the national ambient air quality standards. The RDD of the residents varied based on the different physical activities such as heavy exercise > walking > light exercise > sitting. The deposition trend in both male and female were found to be similar. The deposition of the particles was seen more in the head region of the respiratory system, followed by trachea bronchiole and alveolar regions. The hazard quotient (HQ) value was < 1 for all PM concentrations in the study area which induces higher amount of non-carcinogenic risks such as lung-related health problems. Due to more exposure time, hostellers were more prone to non-carcinogenic risks (7 to 10 times) higher than day scholars with respect to PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, respectively. The results of the study emphasize the need for controlling air quality in educational institutions located in urban regions. Certain mitigation measures can be adopted to reduce exposure to pollutants in educational institutions such as reducing exposure hours, restricting heavy physical activities (sports) during high pollution events, reducing the local sources construction activities and vehicular movement on campus.This helps to reduce the potential health impact and make the university campus green, sustainable and emission-free.