Occupational health impacts of transport industry: collagen degrader, blood lead, and respiratory illnesses

This research was conducted to determine the adverse health effects of transport-related air pollution on the people specifically linked to this sector as well as people exposed to vehicular emissions. Body mass index, lead (Pb) exposure, and osteoarthritis risk were measured, while detailed health records were taken through a questionnaire-based survey. Blood lead level (BLL) was higher than the acceptable level; mean BLLs were 27.79 μg/dl and 21.33 μg/dl for significantly exposed and less exposed individuals. Some respondents showed exceptionally high BLL 60 μg/dl. Type II collagen (C2C) cleavage neoepitope, a collagen degrader and Pb biomarker, was also observed in high-exposure (0.056 μg/dl) and low-exposure (0.0126 μg/dl) respondents. This study revealed serious health effects in the transport workers of Abbottabad caused by vehicular emissions. Good percentages of exposed (40–45%) participants were found to have severe cough and hypertension, while a small proportion (15–20%) had acute skin diseases, eye disease, asthma, hearing loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, headache, and lung cancer. It was disappointing that people were unaware of the automobile emissions’ adverse effects. This study revealed significant health effects of transport occupation.