Environmental Health Burdens in a Roadside South Indian Slum: A 6-Month Prospective Study of Pollution, Biomarkers, and Community Action

Abstract

Background: Urban slums in India, especially those adjacent to busy roads, experience high environmental pollutant exposures contributing to substantial health disparities. Multi-pollutant data combined with community education interventions remain insufficiently explored.

Objectives: This study quantified air (PM2.5, PM10), water, and noise pollution in a road-adjacent slum in Chilakaluripeta, correlated exposures with respiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health outcomes, and assessed the effectiveness of NGO-led health education.

Methods: A six-month prospective cohort design enrolled 150 residents stratified by age and sex. Monthly pollutant monitoring was conducted at five fixed sites. Health assessments included spirometry, blood pressure, mental health questionnaires (PHQ-9, GAD-7), and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene biomarker analysis. Multivariate models adjusted for confounders analyzed exposure-outcome associations. Pre/post intervention surveys evaluated changes in community awareness.

Results: Mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations (81.6 µg/m³ and 163 µg/m³) significantly exceeded WHO limits (PM2.5 by over 16 times the annual guideline), with seasonal peaks during dry months. Water analyses revealed elevated TDS and contamination. Noise levels (75.6 dB) surpassed recommendations and correlated with increased anxiety and depression. FEV1 declined by 15%, hypertension prevalence rose from 20% to 48%, and biomarker levels increased, particularly among pregnant women. Educational interventions improved pollution awareness from 30% to 80% and increased adoption of protective behaviors.

Conclusion: Residents of road-adjacent slums face significant multi-pollutant exposures impacting health adversely, yet targeted community education shows promise for mitigation. Integrated pollution control and health promotion are critical to reduce urban health inequities.