The KEM Hospital’s Environment Pollution and Research Centre (EPRC) has decided to conduct a study on emission levels from vehicles visiting petrol pumps and the effect of pollutants release on workers and residents. T
he study comes close on the heels of a similar survey of asthma and breathing disorders in schools in different parts of Mumbai, under a pilot project. “Emission of toxins is highest when vehicles are positioned in the neutral gear. We need to find out whether vehicles coming to petrol pumps are having an adverse effect on the health of the workforce employed,” said Dr. Amita Athawale, KEM Hospital’s Head of Department (Chest Medicine and Environmental Pollution Research Centre).
Petrol pumps having employee strength of 30 will be included in the survey; close to 60 residents and shopkeepers (residing within a 1-km radius) will be brought under the survey’s ambit. Based on the results, the study will provide corrective measures that can be implemented. “Simple measures like asking workers to take breaks between shifts, so as to limit their cumulative exposure of pollutants can be considered,” said Dr. Athawale.
She added, “Our study can prompt manufacturers to re-design vehicles so that emission levels come down. Moreover, the study can create awareness and vehicles owners can be forced to switch off their engines when waiting in queue to fill petrol.”
The survey also intends to recommend corrective measures to shops and establishments around petrol pumps. “Shops may be asked to ensure that structures have proper cross ventilation and exhaust fans,” added Dr. Athawale.