Assessment of outdoor workers’ exposure to air pollution in Delhi (India)

Air quality monitoring (PM2.5, CO, NOx, SO2 and EC/OC) was carried out at highway toll plazas, municipality toll plazas and control sites (n = 23) in the National Capital Region of Delhi, to determine the exposure of toll plaza workers to air pollution and its effect on lung function. Lung function indices (n = 45) were also measured for these workers. The results reveal the high level of air pollution at almost all locations with PM2.5 values exceeding the national permissible limit except at a few control sites. Observed reduction in lung function indices was significant over years of occupational exposure even after adjusting for age, amongst non-smoking outdoor workers. This study found pollutant concentrations were highest at municipality toll plazas with minimum protective work area. The paper suggests measures to reduce the exposure of outdoor workers.