Title: Prevalence of respiratory infections and health issues of people in Ambattur Athipattu garbage site, in Chennai, Tamilnadu
Authors: Beulah Edwin, Durga Ravi, Iyanar Kannan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i7.152
Abstract
The solid waste handling and disposal is a growing environmental and public health concern. The solid waste workers and the people live near the solid waste disposal area are exposed to a number of pathogens, toxic substances (endotoxins and betaglucans), and chemicals that come from the waste and its decomposition. A face to face questionnaire survey was prepared to understand the prevalence of respiratory infections among the people of Athipattu. Tamilnadu. It was found that more than 90% of the people who are residing have cough. More than 70% of children suffer from cough. It was also understood that the parents are willing to move their children from that area. All the people of the area complained that there is an uncheck burning of garbage in the village. It was also reported that more than 40% of the people died due to respiratory problems. More than 70% of the people complained about breathlessness and chestlessness. Around 30% of the people used bronchodilators. On observation of questionnaire, it was found that people are aware of the medical service that they have to take during a medical problem. They have awareness of expiry date and they said that they discard the expired drugs. However, most of them informed that they take medicines without doctor’s advice. It was found that the Athipattu garbage dumping area should be properly organised for the disposal of the waste material.
Keywords: Solid waste disposal, public health concern, Athipattu, respiratory infections.
