Authors: MD.Afroz, Assistant Professor B.Narsimha
Abstract: In Indian cities, air pollution is a major problem that affects both the environment and people's health. The traffic, congestion, and pollution levels of Mumbai, one of the most densely populated metropolises in the world, have been steadily rising in recent years. When it comes to city traffic, the top 20 locations are well-known for their extreme congestion. These areas are known as "hotspots" because of the large concentration of vehicles at certain intersections around the city. At the morning's peak hour (from 7:30 to 9:00 am) and the evening's peak hour (from 6:30 to 7:30 pm), cars travel at an average speed of 10 kmph and 8 kmph, respectively. Records show that evenings are the most polluting and crowded times of day. Congestion in the roadways exposes the general population to air and noise pollution. Central Pollution Control Board- specified noise levels are exceeded at the intersections, according to recorded data. The noise levels at the intersections are over 90 dB on average, even though they should be below 75 dB for industrial and 65 dB for commercial settings. 55 decibels for homes and 50 decibels for quiet zones. Vehicle emissions include a wide range of contaminants, including suspended particle matter (SPM), oxides of sulfur (SOx), PAN, and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Any illness affecting the respiratory system is caused by SPM. The research here takes RSPM 2.5 (respirable suspended particulate matter) into account. At 20 different hotspots, we assessed noise levels, RSPM 2.5, number of cars, and congestion at different times of the day and season. The aforementioned parameters are averaged and their standard deviations are computed. In addition, CalRoads View Software is used for data analysis and modeling. Predicting pollution concentrations near intersections where cars idle in waiting for signals is the job of CALINE 3. This program was useful for figuring out how pollutants were distributed at the intersections. Congestion areas and intersections were the sites of the surveys. The poll was conducted via a questionnaire and was open to retailers, street vendors, and traffic police. Breathing and respiratory issues affected the majority of those who participated in the poll. Many of them have had asthma diagnoses at some point. The exposed individuals showed signs of both acute and chronic illnesses. Lots of people who took the poll reported having an illness of the respiratory system, such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. Researchers believe that traffic officers are the best demographic to investigate because of their heightened sensitivity to the effects of vehicle emissions on human systems, particularly the respiratory system and hearing impairments. Participants in the study will be traffic officials tasked with administrative tasks, who will serve as the control group, while traffic officials stationed at different intersections will serve as the exposed group. Individuals working in traffic were tested for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results clearly show that traffic cops have a greater risk of hearing loss. Unbelievably, 57.14% of traffic cops who have been on the job for more than 25 years have had serious injuries from NIHL. The current investigation did not find any cases of genetic or familial deafness or ear sickness among the participants. The prevalence of asthma was also assessed in other traffic staff. Asthma prevalence among traffic workers can be diagnosed using spirometry analysis. To find the maximum expiratory flow rate in liters per minute, one uses the MINISPIR S/N TO 1795. Asthma diagnosis incidence among traffic police officers aged 18–58 years old (FVC). The ages of the diagnosed traffic professionals range from zero to five, with exposure years in the upper limit. The PEFR is measured in both the exposed and control groups of traffic cops. Approximately eight hours of each workday expose traffic workers directly to particulate matter. Diagnosis ranges from less than five years to over twenty-five years of experience for traffic police. Rejection from the analysis was based on the fact that the traffic police were actively pursuing a smoking habit. The exposed and control groups were both tested for diseases. More than 35% more people in this group have asthma than in the control group. According to the data, there is also an increase in the number of cases of asthma. The effects of air pollution on traffic workers can be mitigated by the development and testing of protective gear. Surgical masks and handkerchiefs are examples of compensatory activities people take in response to pollution threats in order to lower their actual exposures. The research set out to develop a study mask capable of preventing exposure to potentially harmful particles such as dust, allergies, and infectious aerosols. Gradually, further features are included to minimize noise and dust particles that might potentially harm the eyes. We created and tested stage-wise masks. Nose piece with inhaler, exhaust fan near the section of the mouth or nose, lightweight, simple to wear, adaptable to all face sizes and shapes, low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing, and aesthetically pleasing are all features and components that were combined. To determine how effective the study mask was, it was compared to other masks on the market and put through its paces. But how well current face masks protect is anybody's guess. The purpose was to find out how well face masks protect the respiratory system against RSPM levels that might be hazardous. After subtracting the SPM particles from the total air volume inhaled in one minute, the readings on the muslin fabric are reported. Additional issues caused by RSPM are mitigated to a certain degree. The average number of particles collected in one minute is greater than 0.1 gm/min. Not only does the mask shield you from harmful RSPM levels and noise, but it also has an exhaust fan that draws carbon dioxide out of your mouth and keeps you well-ventilated. With this mask, you won't have to worry about the usual issues of sweating or itching while wearing it. Stages 1 and 2 of the mask's modification process were carried out utilizing 3D printer technology. The mask underwent both quantitative and qualitative testing in accordance with OSHA regulations, and test methods were prepared for submission to the ethics committee. All things considered, the outcomes are satisfactory. Additional improvements in terms of size variations, compatibility with additional safety gear like helmets, etc., will allow the device to be released to the public for usage.