Business is usually brisk around road construction site, from food vendors to hawkers and small convenience shops, all trying to serve the workers and also cash-in on the construction going on.
While there is good money to be made, Dr. Seyram Wordui, a pulmonologist at the Department of Child Health at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, has raised the alarm on the notable health dangers faced by these traders operating around road construction sites.
In an exclusive interview with the High Street Journal, Dr. Wordui elaborated on the complex relationship between air pollution and public health, urging both authorities and the public to take the issue seriously.
Dr. Wordui explained that the health impacts of air pollution manifest in both direct and indirect ways. “Directly, we see an increase in allergies and asthmatic attacks, particularly in individuals with preexisting asthma,” she said. “Indirectly, air pollution can have far-reaching effects on the cardiovascular system, leading to severe complications.” Dr. Wordui also asserted the often-overlooked connection between air pollution and mental health, noting that prolonged exposure can result in anxiety, depression, and even contribute to miscarriages and preterm births.
Dr. Wordui also issued a severe warning to those who hawk with babies at construction sites. She pointed out that infants and young children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller airways and still-developing lungs. “Their lungs can collapse faster than those of adults,” she cautioned, urging parents to be extra vigilant.
When asked about the efficacy of nose masks in providing protection, Dr. Wordui admitted that while they offer some level of relief, they are far from a permanent solution. “Nose masks can help, but they are not the answer to the root problem,” she emphasized. “We need to address the issue of air pollution more comprehensively rather than relying on temporary measures.”
Addressing the plight of traders who work in these hazardous environments, Dr. Wordui expressed deep concern for their well-being. She urged authorities to consider the broader implications of simply relocating traders. “The solution is far more complex than we often realize,” she said. “If we displace these traders, we risk depriving them of their livelihoods, potentially leading to starvation. And what assurance do we have that their new location will be free from pollution? We need to tackle the issue of air pollution at its core, ensuring that all areas are safe.”
Dr. Wordui wants policy makers to address the issue of air pollution not just as a localized issue but as a nationwide public health crisis.
