Traffic related CO pollution and occupational exposure in Chandigarh, India

Vehicular air pollution has been recognized as a major anthropogenic activity responsible for deteriorating air quality in urban areas. One of the major traffic related air pollutants which have serious health effects is carbon monoxide (CO). Chandigarh which was originally planned for a population of five lakhs has witnessed a two fold increase in its population in the recent past. The vehicular population on the city roads is estimated to be around 2 vehicles per person. In the present study an attempt was made to estimate the traffic related CO pollution levels and resulting occupational exposures in Chandigarh, India. The study indicated that the CO levels were positively correlated to the traffic volume and were exceeding the standards in heavy traffic zones. Replacement of old vehicles, improvements in infrastructure, traffic management and establishment of effective and efficient public transport system are among the actions that will need to curtail the increasing trend in air pollution in the city. The map of spatial variation in CO concentration prepared could be used for traffic planning and air pollution control in the city.