A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE & PRACTICE ABOUT AIR POLLUTION, AND RELATED HEALTH HAZARDS AMONG RESIDENTS NEAR A LANDFILL IN VANIYAMBADI, TAMIL NADU, 2020

Abstract


Air pollution is a cause of morbidity and mortality with open landfills also being major sources of air pollutants. People living near exposed landfills are at more risk of health hazards. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about air pollution, related health hazards and prevention among residents living near an open landfill in Vaniyambadi town. A cross sectional study from September to October 2020 among 93 residents living near an open landfill was conducted. The study revealed that the residents had good knowledge about air pollution and its health hazards and with good prevention practices. Personal Protective Equipment usage was found to reflect the positive impact of the pandemic related Information Education Communication activities with everyone using face masks. The results showed that 26% had below average knowledge about air pollution, sources and causes, which warrants the need to emphasize on addressing the gap in knowledge and practice among residents near landfill.

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