Street Peddlers and Poor Respiratory Health Outcomes in Lucknow, India

Introduction: There are few studies which aim towards theawareness of using protective masks and respiratory problemsamong street peddlers in India. The focus of this study wasto identify the major pollutants (i.e., PM 2.5, PM 10, etc.)present in the air which may be responsible for the adverserespiratory effect on the human population in street peddlersof Lucknow, India.Material and Methods: Street Peddlers, who were notindulge in smoking in recent few days and have no knowledgeof any diagnosed respiratory diseases, were asked toparticipate from roadside of different localities in Lucknowcity, India. Volunteering Members (n=30) described havinglower respiratory, upper respiratory, and other symptoms.Result: The result of the study was estimated on the basisof a self-analysis form. Symptoms of upper (sour throat36.3%) and lower respiratory tract (coughing 40%) and eyeirritation (40%) was present in all the participants None ofthe participants used the N-95 respirator (PPE: masks) in thisstudy. Some peddlers who is using PPE, are improper for thePM present in the air.Conclusion: Results suggests awareness about respiratoryproblems and proper use of protective equipment like theN-95 type respirator mask among street Peddlers in Lucknow,India.

Crítica ao manejo humano em Belo Horizonte / Critique of human handling in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Este artigo apresenta uma visão crítica acerca da mudança dos camelôs para os denominados shoppings populares, implementados pela Prefeitura Municipal de Belo Horizonte, com a finalidade de cumprir o código de conduta do projeto "Centro Vivo". Argumenta-se que a atitude da prefeitura foi de limpeza da cidade, provocando uma desarticulação do trabalho informal dos camelôs e "toreros", bem como aumentando a precariedade de suas condições políticas e sociais de trabalho. O argumento baseia-se no discurso da mídia impressa e de algumas atas de reunião da prefeitura concernentes ao tema. Os autores contrastam o discurso com o dos próprios camelôs, que foram entrevistados, a respeito de como percebiam o processo de mudança para os shoppings e o que isso acarretou em termos do seu trabalho.