Ranchi, 2nd May, 2022: On the eve of World Asthma Day, SwitchON Foundation  supported by AMSA (Asian Medical Student Association) & SAMSA (South Asian Medical Student Association), organized a high- level discussion “Air pollution to Asthma.” 

During the event, practicing Doctors on pulmonary medicine from RIMS and other leading doctors and environment experts shared their thoughts on the subject. SwitchON Foundation also revealed an air pollution based health survey findings conducted on outdoor workers as a part of its awareness initiative. The survey, based on a sample size of 1200 people exposed to ambient air pollution, either due to occupation or due to poverty showed clearly how the respiratory system is affected. The survey was carried out in the Giridih and Ranchi areas of State. 

The respondents were asked regarding three broad categories of non communicable diseases – Respiratory and Related Symptoms, Neurobehavioral Symptoms and Dry Eye Syndrome. Though some of these symptoms might seem like common ailments, severe occurrence of these issues is also an indication of being exposed to high levels of air pollution.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Dewesh Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, RIMS, Ranchi said : “The survey data from the different clusters of population exposed to outdoor air pollution from regions around Ranchi and Giridih establishes an alarming symptomatic trend. Many of these symptoms are highly allergic in nature, like nasal symptoms, cough and chest discomfort. Such symptoms are predictors of Asthma, as air pollution increases allergic sensitization.”

Also unveiling the survey findings Dr. Nishith Kumar, Consultant Respiratory Medicine & Interventional Pulmonology Chest Care Centre & Orchid Medical Centre Ranchi said; “There is a definite correlation between polluted environmental exposure and health status. Looking at the current dismal scenario, opting for frequent lung function testing is advisable, especially for the more vulnerable population among construction/factory workers, drivers, miners and the elderly. It can help detect and treat obstructive & restrictive lung diseases promptly.”

Vinay Jaju MD, SwitchON Foundation said “Vulnerable communities, Children, elderly population are the most vulnerable to air pollution . The writing’s on the wall and we have to implement the city clean air action plan with strict action to ensure proper and healthy atmosphere in the regions.  He further added by saying “There is an urgent need for multiple agencies to work together in promoting pollution control norms and ensuring cleaner air quality for our current and future generation.”

Key findings of the survey:

• In terms of age children and old adults are the most vulnerable group exposed to outdoor air pollution taking into account health issues related to respiratory and related symptoms, 
• A significant number, Approximately 46% of children showed respiratory symptoms of cough and 43% of soar throat. While a large percentage of the approximately 57% elderly population showed both chronic and acute symptoms of respiratory diseases – complaining about Chest Discomfort and 48% of Nasal Congestion.
• Overall, the proportion of the sample suffering from various air pollution related ailments is higher in Giridih than in Ranchi. 61% of the respondents from Giridih have identified suffering from sneezing compared to 36% from Ranchi. Among the elderly community, 70% from Giridih and  20% from Ranchi are suffering from breathlessness at rest. 78% of the above 61 years of age respondents of Giridih are suffering from chest discomfort while only 32% have identified the same from Ranchi. 
• Among the different occupation groups, Street cleaners / Sweepers are the most vulnerable followed by construction workers.  37% among street cleaners and 22% among construction workers have complained of breathlessness while walking and  53% among street cleaners and 48% among construction workers have complained of nasal congestion. Street vendors and drivers have also complained of similar health issues . This group has been compelled to breathe toxic air, at no fault to their end – resulting in decreased life expectancy and serious illness. 

Among various diseases caused by air pollution, Asthma and COPD are two diseases which affect a large number of the population. While Asthma can occur at any age, COPD is a disease of the elderly. The biological pathways, clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis are different for these two diseases. But both of them are causes of significant morbidity and mortality. As children are the major sufferers in Asthma, and the prevalence is showing a relentless increase, it’s a matter of concern for all of us. 

The conclusion from the survey findings called for an urgent need for implementation of the city clean air action plan under the NCAP, Proper enforcement of pollution control norms should be enforced in factories and open mines to protect the people against the toxic emissions. The recommendations further asks state agencies to develop specific public health policy action for outdoor workers and vulnerable communities, who have been compelled to breathe toxic air, at no fault to their end – resulting in decreased life expectancy and serious illness. These workers and professionals themselves may have little or no control over the sources of outdoor air pollution, particularly given that most of air pollution in jharkhand is the result of industries, also additional impact from release of hazardous chemical agents,  bioaerosols, gasses, and vapors at their workplace.

Jharkhand Health Perception.

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