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. 

Keywords: Air pollutants, Airborne diseases, Cost of illness, Contingent Valuation, Willingness to pay and to accept