Air Quality and Human Health: A Comparative Analysis Of Urban and Rural Areas

Abstract

Pollution has a major influence on public health, especially those related to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Pollution can be largely caused by industrial, traffic, or agricultural emissions, and this produces more in urban than in rural zones. The outcome of this study is to compare air quality and health outcomes in urban and rural areas. In this cross-sectional study, air quality is compared between New York City (urban) and Madhubani (rural). PM2.5, NOx, CO, and SO2 were monitored, and health data from surveys on respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms were obtained. T tests, chi-squared tests, and multivariate regression were statistically analyzed. PM2.5 and NOx concentrations were elevated in the urban zones than in the rural zones. Urban regions had higher rates of symptoms of respiratory as well as cardiovascular health. The exposure to these pollutants was also confirmed to lead to strong health outcomes through regression analysis. Pollution is higher in urban areas, and people are more at risk of developing health issues relating to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, although polluted less, there are still risks from farm activities in rural areas. Urban emissions should be reduced, and rural agricultural pollutants should be addressed in policies.