Environmental Impact on Health in the New Era of India: A Study of Mumbai Mega City

Ashok Kumar, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Environmental degradation has caused serious health problems. Environmental factors are the cause of 80 percent of mortality and morbidity in less developed countries. It is estimated that up to 50% inhabitants of industrial cities live in slums where drinking water supply, sewage system and primary health care are distant dreams.Health problem in urban areas are mainly due to pollution, over crowding and poor sanitation . This paper aims at examining the trends in air pollution levels in terms of three major pollutants Sulphur dioxide , nitrogen oxides and Suspended particulate matter ; and at analysing the principal causes of air pollution . Secondly it aims at examining the environmental impact on health One interesting feature noticed in Mumbai is the seasonal variation in the level of air pollution. This is called atmospheric inversion.From the study it is seen that the increasing levels of air pollution also pulls up the number of people suffering from respiratory disease . The situation is not much different from the water pollution, as both ground water and surface water contamination lead to a rising number of patients falling victim to water borne diseases. Having analyzed the problem of pollution it becomes essential to take steps to reduce pollution for a healthy living.