Dust in the Lungs: A Systematic Mapping of Airborne Particulate Exposure Near Open Waste Sites

Eleni Kosta¹, Harry Collins², Sofia Marchetti³, Anna Fischer⁴

Abstract

Background:
Open and poorly managed waste disposal sites are common in many low- and middle-income countries, releasing hazardous airborne particles into nearby communities. Children and informal workers are especially vulnerable to chronic exposure, yet spatially detailed risk assessments remain limited.

Objective:
To map airborne particulate matter (PM) concentrations around open waste sites and evaluate associated respiratory health risks among adjacent populations.

Methods:
A geospatial environmental health study was conducted in three regions of northern India. Twenty open waste sites were selected based on size and population density within a 3 km radius. PM2.5 and PM10 levels were measured using portable air monitors at four directional zones (0.5 km, 1 km, 2 km, 3 km) during both dry and wet seasons. Health surveys and spirometry testing were conducted among 684 residents, including 122 informal waste pickers and 185 children aged 6–14 years.

Results:
PM2.5 concentrations exceeded WHO limits in 94% of dry-season readings at ≤1 km distance (mean: 94.2 μg/m³), with peak levels at 0.5 km. Lung function abnormalities (FEV1 <80% predicted) were found in 37.5% of waste pickers and 21.2% of children within 1 km zone, compared to 8.4% in those >2 km (p < 0.001). GIS heatmaps revealed consistent pollution gradients radiating from site centers. Logistic regression confirmed distance <1 km as an independent risk factor for abnormal spirometry (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.0–4.8).

Conclusion:
Living and working near open waste sites exposes individuals to harmful levels of airborne particulate matter, with measurable respiratory harm. Urban planning and environmental health policy must prioritize waste site remediation, zoning enforcement, and protective measures for nearby populations.