Book Title: Advanced Studies in Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation (ASMRI)
Chief Editors: Dr. Jagdish Kumar Sahu and Dr. Krishna Ashutoshbhai Vyas
Associate Editors: Dr. N. Ramesh Chandra Srikanth and Dr. Lourdu Vesna J
Co-Editors: Dr. Aarti Sharma and Dr. Pushpa Mamoria
ISBN: 978-93-7183-010-2
Chapter: 24
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/745/24
Authors: Ms. Prarthana Mahapatra, and Mrs. Sneha Dixit
Abstract
In the rapidly industrializing cities, air pollution has become a major issue in environmental health, supported by growing evidence of the association between long-term exposure and respiratory diseases, especially asthma in children. In this research paper, the relationship between air pollution exposure and incidence of asthma in children who reside in industrial urban areas is discussed. The study utilizes a mixed-method design that combines quantitative data provided by air quality indices (PM2.5, PM10, NO₂ level) and qualitative data obtained from structured interviews with mothers and fathers of children affected by the disaster and healthcare professionals. Results indicate that high pollution is associated with high asthma prevalence among children, and that industrial cities have a much higher prevalence than less polluted areas. Airway inflammation and chronic respiratory diseases are linked to several key air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in children. Further, the socio-economic vulnerability is exacerbated due to housing conditions, the closeness of the industrial areas, and a lack of preventive health care facilities. There are also differences in awareness and how symptoms are managed by the caregivers, contributing to a delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Despite these problems, early intervention measures, better air quality monitoring and community health education programs have been promising in minimizing the risk of complications associated with asthma. The paper also addresses policy measures designed to reduce exposure risks, including policy tightening of emissions standards, urban planning reforms and the development of clean energy alternatives. This study highlights the critical need for strategies to mitigate the environmental and public health burden of pediatric asthma in industrial cities that are integrated. The findings add to the body of knowledge on environmental health by offering evidence-based recommendations for the level of pollution for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and urban planners who seek to minimize disparities in health caused by pollution and enhance respiratory health outcomes for children.
Keywords: Air pollution, Pediatric asthma, Industrial cities, PM2.5 exposure, Respiratory health, Urban pollution, Environmental health, Childhood asthma, Air quality, Public health policy