[ad_1]
Air pollution (Image: IANS)
For pollution management, it has further been suggested that hygiene inspectors should be delegated the authority to report and incinerate waste and the use of motorized cleaning machines on larger arterial roads.
A study published on Friday said that nearly 97 percent of sanitation workers, 95 percent of waste pickers, and 82 percent of security guards in the country are exposed to air pollution during their work.
The study, conducted by the Xintan Environmental Research and Action Group, is an assessment of the relationship between air pollution and the incidence of respiratory diseases for three primary occupational groups – waste pickers, sanitation workers and security guards.
The research further suggested that more than 60 percent of sanitation workers, 50 percent of waste pickers, and 30 percent of security guards “do not know about PPE that can reduce their exposure (to contamination).” The study said: “Abnormal results of lung function were recorded in 75 per cent of the waste pickers, 86 per cent of the sanitation workers and 86 per cent of the security guards. In contrast, 45 per cent of the participants in the control group had abnormalities.” in lung function”.
She added that “17 percent of waste pickers, 27 percent of sanitation workers and 10 percent of security guards suffer from acute lung diseases.”
Based on the findings of the study, which was conducted in consultation with the three groups, and health and air pollution experts, the NGO recommended provisions for personal protective equipment (PPE) and training in the effective use of PPE kits.
The study said, “Gargling training should be conducted after working hours to effectively remove dust particles from the nasal and throat cavities. Hand and face washing facilities should be mandated near the workplace, and hot bottles should be provided during winter to reduce outdoor burn.” .
To manage pollution, he further suggested that public health inspectors should be mandated to report waste incineration, waste incineration and the use of motorized sweepers on larger arterial roads.
To reduce exposure to pollution, the study suggested, shifts should be changed during hazardous AQIs. “All rest areas should be designed higher than the tail tube level of SUVs, and annual health checks should be carried out as well,” she added.
The study suggested some systemic shifts, saying that composting should be mandated to prevent landfill fires and horticultural waste management systems should also be established on site.
The study suggested that “Guidelines on occupational health protection should be issued by the Swachh Bharat Mission. Drones and other imagery should be used to identify rubbish burning and biological remediation strategies should be implemented to prevent landfill fires.”
(This story was not edited by the News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
[ad_2]
