Air pollution is the ninth leading risk factor for mortality and remains a major challenge as air pollution in urban areas is steadily increasing causing chronic respiratory diseases. In a thickly populated country like ours, the rate of risk factors are still high and people are suffering from varied pulmonary disorders due to the complex mixture of both man-made and natural pollutants. The most common ambient air pollutants are Particulate matter (PM), Sulphur dioxide ( SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), Carbon monoxide (CO)& Lead.
Recent studies show that PM 2.5 released through Industrial process, vehicular emissions, coal and fuel combustion is estimated to cause 3.3 million deaths each year. PM is categorized into three types - Coarse particles of diameter 2.5 to 10 µm, Fine particles of diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM 2.5) and ultrafine particles of diameter less than 0.1µm (PM 0.1). These fine particles can get deep into the lungs and some may even get into the bloodstream. Exposure to these particles can affect a person's lungs and heart. Health studies reveal that exposure to particle pollution poses great health risks that include cardiovascular effects such as heart attacks and chronic respiratory effects such as asthma and bronchitis.
The heavy carbon mixed air continues to be associated with reduced lung function and causing several pulmonary disorders. Exposure to NO2, SO2, and PM from industrial and vehicular emissions significantly contribute to upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and increase the risk of lung cancer.
The incidence of occupational lung diseases like Silicosis and Asbestosis has increased dramatically in the workplace with an increased risk of other problems, such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis.
Requisite actions to reduce the freight of respiratory diseases
1. Develop programs and policies to prevent and treat respiratory diseases.
2. Adopt standards to reduce ambient air pollution. In addition, more attention should be paid to what pollutants are elevated beyond normal level.
3. Develop an early diagnosis of respiratory diseases through proper education and awareness.
4. Provide education and training in the use of respiratory PPE for protecting against respiratory infections like face masks, N95 masks.
5. Increase public awareness of respiratory diseases and control measures.
6. Using of nose mask during haze environment can help in preventing adverse effects from vehicular pollution
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