An analysis of environmental pollution related health hazards among auto rickshaw drivers

Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Air and noise pollution in India is quite a serious issue with the major sources being fuel wood and biomass burning, fuel adulteration, vehicle emission, sound horn and traffic congestion. The auto and share-auto drivers spend most of their time during working hours in roadway and/or in bus stands while the taxi drivers park their cars to wait for passengers mainly in taxi/bus stands or stops. Therefore, these drivers are at high risk to be affected by traffic noise and polluted air. The majorities of drivers remain unaware of the health effects of noise and polluted air this is the main causes of the occupational hazards of auto and other drivers. This paper tries to describe the environmental pollution and health hazards of the auto drivers.