URBAN AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH DISORDERS: A FOCUS ON MADURAI CITY

Air pollution is a wide-reaching problem and it is likely to influence the health of human populations is great. Human health is largely affected by the environmental. Death and human diseases are largely linked to air pollution patterns. This study was conducted with an objective to analyse the sources and effects of air that creates air pollution and to discuss the relationship between the air pollution and its effect on human health in Madurai city. The main sources of air pollution are industries, automobiles, coal combustion and electrical power plant. Major effects of air pollution include eye irritation, nose irritation, running nose, sore throat, coughing and wheezing. The empirical study is based on the sample survey of the city of Madurai. A total of 150 respondents were interviewed personally. The sample respondents a cross-section of different age groups, sex, educational levels, income levels of respondents and therefore it could be treated as a representative sample for such an exploratory study in Madurai city. The analysis has been carried out with the help of percentage method and Garrett’s ranking method. Generally, the suitable action will be taken to control air pollution. Public education appears to be the best method as suggested by the respondents. However, government and NGOs can play a significant role in this process