Modelling the relationship between industrial air pollution and perceived health effects of households in the three most air-polluted cities of Pakistan

Industrialization contributes to economic growth; however, its negative impacts cannot be overlooked. The emission of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere by industries poses a serious threat to both environmental and human health. We conducted a field study in the top three most polluted cities of Pakistan to quantify the impacts of industrial air pollution on the perceived health effects of households. We also analyzed the factors influencing households' adoption of preventive practices to mitigate the effects of air pollution. Data were collected from households residing in both industrial and non-industrial areas. Our findings revealed that short-term health issues including cough, sore throat, rhinitis, eye irritation, and dermatitis were 25% more prevalent among respondents living in industrial areas ompared to those in non-industrial areas. Estimates from the negative binomial (NB) regression model indicated that age, education level, gender, occupation, media influence, comorbidity, and proximity to industrial sites were significant determinants of households' perceived health effects. Approximately 40% of respondents in industrial areas and 44% in non-industrial areas reported adopting preventive practices to avoid the detrimental effects of air pollution. Further analysis identified perceived health effects (β = 0.252, p < 0.05) and the proximity of residential sites to industry (β = 0.973, p < 0.05) as significant factors influencing the adoption of preventive measures. Based on our findings, we recommend that authorities locate factories away from residential areas, schools, and healthcare facilities. Additionaly, raising awareness through mainstream and social media can help mitigate health risks associated with industrial air pollution. Furthermore, Individuals working in factories or sufferring from comorbidities should receive trainings on adopting effective preventive measures to avert health effects of air pollution.