Respiratory health problems associated to infrastructural development among residents living near Special Economic Zone in India

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the lung function status of residents living in areas adjacent to Noida Special Economic Zone (NSEZ). The survey included 161 subjects (Bhangal = 79, Bakhtiyarpur = 48, and Hazipur = 34) and 104 subjects from a non-industrial zone. The study showed a significantly high prevalence of lung function impairment (17.7%) amongst residents living adjacent to Special Economic Zone (Bhangal) compared with residents of non-industrial zone. Breathlessness and cough was more prevalent amongst residents of Bhangal. It was found that lung function deficits amongst residents and distance from NSEZ were inversely related. Lung function abnormalities were found to be at maximum in Bhangal at 1-km distance, moderate in Hazipur at 2-km distance and minimum in Bhaktiyarpur at 3-km distance. At all three locations adjacent to NSEZ, particulate matter (PM) concentration showed suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) above the prescribed limits of national ambient air quality standard; concentration of PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1 μm (PM1) was also higher than the control area. Construction activities related to infrastructural development and increased vehicular traffic may be responsible for higher concentrations of PM2.5, PM1, RSPM and SPM in these areas.