Impact of Environmental Pollution on Respiratory System of Human and Animals in Angul and Talcher Industrial Areas, Odisha, India: A Case Study

Industrial growth has been a national issue with leading risk factor towards human health and the environment. The major air pollutants including particle pollution has different toxicological impacts on animals and human health. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) present in particle is known to induce significant respiratory, reproductive and neuropsychiatric complications. To investigate the effect of major particle pollutants, sources of emission, and their impact on human health and to check the toxicological/pathological impact of particulate matter (PM) containing Benzo[a]pyrene like toxicants on increasing rate of respiratory and reproductive diseases. The percentage of different trace element in the atmosphere was measured by monitoring air quality index through high volume sampling method and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Angul-Talcher areas. Effect of intratracheal and intraperitonial administration of B[a]P during PND 28 were examined on adult male Wistar rats after 15 days and 30 days of post exposure. Chest X-ray reports of human (Aged 20-60) were collected for acute respiratory diseases, asthma, conjunctivitis and bronchitis. Study showed monthly variation in the elemental content of the flyash samples including B[a]P. Histopathology of lungs and testis showed morphological changes in B[a]P treated rats as compared to the control. Similarly chest X-ray report showed different respiratory symptoms in human residing near Angul-Talcher industrial areas. The indices for PM are above the standard and mostly at dangerous level in TTPS. Thermal emissions are important in causing respiratory and other diseases. The present findings may contribute to building up evidences for environmental exposure and health effects in man and animals