Socio-Economic Impact of Air Pollution on Dwellers of and around the Industrial Area in Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

The study makes a solemn effort to review the factors affecting the
environment and health, and the ways and means to improve the value of life
of the people living in and around an industrial area. The purposes of the study
include the assessment of the health effects of air pollution on the people who
are residing around the industrial area, the approximation of the budgetary
recurring expenditure towards treatment for health reparations of the sample
families due to air pollution, the identification of the determinants of the
inclination to pay and the readiness to accept of the sample families, and the
recommendations suitable for policy measures to lessen environmental
pollution. A two-tier sample design is the unique feature of the study. The first
stage of sampling is the selection of the villages on the basis of distances from
the industrial complex. The second stage of the sampling is the selection of
families from the sample villages. An exploration survey of the area is
undertaken with a view to gain insight into the economic conditions and health
status of the people in the industrial area. Air pollution samples were collected
from the industrial complex. The severity of air pollution has differed
according to the nearness. Particularly, the children are affected severely than
adults. The cost of illness is more in the zones which are nearer to the
industries. Information regarding various other methods of pollution control,
and preventive methods of air pollution from the chemical industries and the
pollution effects on health and preventive measures should be collected by the
Pollution Control Authorities so as to educate the industries’ management and
the surrounding village people.