New Delhi: The festive season has kicked off and with this comes the winter and most importantly, pollution. The downside of celebrations is that it is often met with a deteriorating air quality index (AQI) and it can take a toll on health in the long run. Citing this, DGHS Atul Goyal has written to health departments of union territories and states regarding the deteriorating AQI and rising air pollution. The letter stated that air pollution has lately become a serious health problem and it has dropped from moderate to poor levels in some UTs and states. This is likely to get further worse at the onset of winter.
Air pollution is associated with serious health problems and it can speed up the progression of respiratory diseases and aggravate heart diseases. These can be caused by long-term exposure to air pollution which can also contribute to early death risk. The adverse effects of the same are likely to take a toll on pregnant women, children, the elderly, or people living with comorbidities. People in particular occupations such as traffic policemen are most likely to suffer from the repercussions of deteriorating air quality.
Goyal, therefore, urged state health departments and health facilities to be prepared for an increase in the inflow of patients. This includes intensified public awareness campaigns and spreading the word using regional languages through mass media to strengthen the healthcare workforce and surveillance systems to monitor and control air pollution-related health problems under the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health.
The measures also include avoiding garbage and stubble burning and to avoid bursting firecrackers during festivals and promote using public transport instead thereby reducing dependence on petrol and diesel vehicles. It is also advised to avoid venturing out without checking AQI and restrict trips to crowded areas. Outdoor workouts, sports, and exercises should be avoided especially by pregnant women and the elderly or in people dealing with pre-existing respiratory diseases. If one experiences discomfort due to the poor air quality, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
