Ranchi :-  A comprehensive health advisory ratified by leading Doctors and Health Practitioners from Ranchi was issued at a press conference organised by the SwitchON Foundation in association with the ‘Doctors for Clean Air’ (DFCA) forum at the Ranchi Press Club.

The health advisory provides numerous ways in which citizens can prevent impact from air pollution. It laid out various preventive measures and practices that should be adopted in everyday life by citizens to better prepare from the onslaught of polluted winter days.  The advisory comes at a time when citizens are already stressed with probable risk of another COVID-19 wave across the country. With earlier findings suggesting a significant correlation between district level air pollution data and COVID-19 cases.

“The health impacts of Air Pollution need to be highlighted to protect the health of children and adults. It is a major health issue and not  merely a chemical or environmental issue. Air pollution affects each and every part of the body besides lungs which are the first to get affected- Dr. Atri Gangopadhyay” – Dr. Atri Gangopadhyay, East Zone Governor and National Spokesperson, Chest Council of India , Consultant pulmonologist, Pulse hospital, Ranchi

The event held coincides with the National Pollution Control Day, which is observed on December 2 every year in memory of those who suffered and lost their lives in the horrific 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy. This year marks the 37th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. It is observed as a reminder to all of the extent of damage environmental degradation like air pollution can have on human life. The chronic exposure to air pollution has large similarity with the fateful incident occurred due to the accidental discharge of the toxic chemical gas methyl isocyanate and other toxic gases from the Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal on the night of December 2, 1984. 

Dr Nirupam Saran Consultant Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonology, Happy Lungs Foundation and Dr. Swati Behera Saran, Member of World Allergy Organisation, Founder-The Happy Lungs and State Convener CCI Jharkhand Ranchi attending the event stated: “There is correlation between level of ambient air pollutants and Lung Diseases among children. Evidence suggests that early-life exposure to air pollution increases the risk of childhood asthma. No level of particulate matter is permissible, hence we must work to bring them to negligible levels.”

Attending the event, Dr S Kumar, Pediatrician, Rainbow Clinic Ranchi stated – “To prevent the effects of air pollution, we must use air purifiers, LPG, Bio gas or solar stores or ovens for cooking and should try to avoid air fresheners at home”.

Earlier at Ranchi on November 24, an artificial lung billboard depicting human lungs was installed near Albert Ekka Chowk, – retrofitted with HEPA filters and a fan that mimicked breathing to demonstrate the effects of air pollution. The lungs were white at the time of installation (symbolising healthy lungs), but they have now turned grey within a week, indicating the impact that air quality can have on human health. 

Dr. Arvind Kumar – Founder Trustee Lung Care Foundation, through a video message has stated: “It’s actually a Pan India problem today and it starts showing its ill effects even before we are born, when the child is in mothers womb, that is when air pollution starts having its effect –  It affects us from the very first breath of life !”

Doctors across the world have been warning about the potential risk to human health posed by air pollution, but it has been underestimated until now. However, if tackled properly it could be the greatest health opportunity for the Govt. Health Reform Programme, as well as providing direct co-benefit to human health for an entire generation to come. Doctors at the press conference called upon all stakeholders to understand the magnitude of this problem. It’s killing millions of people, It’s causing disease, disability, and it’s causing huge economic loss to the country.

Vinay Jaju, Founder and MD SwitchON Foundation later concluded the event: “Health professionals are calling the air pollution and health emergency, they have laid down a clearhealth advisory which the state government must take up and implement.”

Key Takeaways from the Health Advisory : 

1. Every person should be aware of the pollution in his surroundings. Particularly vulnerable people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children. 
2. For people with respiratory problems, avoid gardens and plants: pollens might trigger an attack. Keep your inhalers with you if you can’t avoid going out;
3. Wear N95 masks on, ensure it fits snugly, avoid touching the outer surface of the mask and finally, avoid areas with a lot of smoke
4. Don’t burn wood or trash. Don’t be in the area where this is happening. 
5. Look for ways to reduce pollutant emissions, including burning less fuel. Telecommute, carpool, vanpool, bicycle, or walk when possible.
6. Eat lower on the food chain; choose vegetables and plants over meat a day or more during the week  
7. Setup Indoor Air Purifying Plants, run a high-efficiency home air purifier or clean the air in your personal space. 
8. Keeping children indoors in the house as much as possible, giving them water and other liquid at regular intervals, berating indoor exercise.