Street Peddlers and Poor Respiratory Health Outcomes in Lucknow, India

ABSTRACT

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.