Cancer, brain stroke, cardiac arrest: Doctors list ill-effects of air pollution

mangaloretoday.com/News18

New Delhi, Nov 06, 2023: At a time when the air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to remain in the ‘severe plus’ category, health experts have warned that exposure to pollutants in the air can lead to cancer, stroke, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, among other health issues.

 

A toxic haze persisted over Delhi-NCR for the seventh consecutive day on Monday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 471 at 7:00 a.m., according to the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

According to doctors, for any healthy person, a recommended AQI should be less than 50, but these days the AQI has spiked beyond 400, which could prove fatal for those suffering from lung-related diseases and even poses a risk of lung cancer.

Dr Piyush Ranjan (Additional Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS), said that there is scientific evidence that establishes a relationship between air pollution and different types of cancer.

Dr Rajan said that apart from causing harm to the respiratory system, air pollution has direct relations with coronary artery diseases like heart attack, brain stroke, and arthritis.

“It is important to understand that air pollution affects various systems of the body, apart from causing respiratory diseases. Pollution has direct relations with coronary artery diseases like heart attack, brain stroke, and arthritis. We have scientific evidence that establishes its relationship with different types of cancer,” the AIIMS doctor said.

Experts also warn of ill effects on the foetus while alerting to a massive health emergency situation.

As per the doctors, air pollution damages the brain and heart and can trigger anxiety across all age groups if not dealt with precaution.

Dr Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Director-Medical Education, Medanta called current situation in Delhi-NCR a ‘medical emergency’.

“The air quality is in the very poor and severe range and it can affect people’s health conditions. It is a medical emergency. When toxic fumes like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone and particulate matter enter the lungs it can affect the other systems as well…There has been a 20 per cent increase in emergency visits,” he said.

The doctor advised people to avoid stepping out of their homes and use mask in case they have to.

“On the individual level, we can try not to generate pollution and stay environmentally friendly…When the AQI is bad try to avoid going out and use a mask if it is important to go out. Avoid early morning walks and outdoor exercises. Using an air purifier at home will also help,” he said.