Twitter
Advertisement

World Asthma Day: Experts provide professional help to Punekars

Rural areas are considered to be contaminated more due to indoor pollutants; urban areas are said to be polluted by tobacco smoke, chemical sprays and carbons used in paints, etc.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

First Tuesday of May, every year, is observed as the World Asthma Day, by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). On this day, iamin spoke to city-based experts to help Punekars control and prevent the respiratory disorder.

Indoor air pollution also triggers asthma
Doctors state that not just outdoor air pollution but even indoor air pollution poses major risk to people. Although rural areas are considered to be contaminated more due to indoor pollutants; urban areas are said to be polluted by tobacco smoke, chemical sprays and carbons used in paints, etc.

Speaking with iamin, Santosh Mane, practicing pulmonologist in the city explained, “Asthma can be triggered by indoor pollution as much as by outdoor pollution. There are more cases of indoor air pollution especially during monsoons when the air ventilation is low.”

According to Mane, out of the 10 asthma cases that he attends to in a day, four cases include women who are usually indoors, especially in kitchen.

Asthma on rise
“In the last five years, asthma triggered by indoor pollution has increased. Mainly senior citizens, kids and pregnant women need to take precautions,” added Mane.

City-based pulmonologist Himanshu Pophale, said, “Indoor air pollution is amongst the major reasons for aggravating asthma in many patients. The chullah smoke is not the only pollutant, there is smoke, biological pollutants, chemicals used in sprays and deodorants, lead used in paints and many other pollutants which affects the respiratory system.”

Director of SAFAR, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Gufran Beig elaborated on the concept of indoor air pollution. “Pollutants remain the same in both indoor and outdoor pollution. Indoor pollution has more adverse effects because one stays in touch with the pollutants constantly inside four walls.”

Tips to check indoor air pollution:
- Keep natural ventilation open in homes
- Keep the house free from dust and smoke, clean carpets and curtains regularly
- Use indoor plants which absorb carbons, reducing pollution
- Avoid using synthetic lead and asbestos filled paints
- Reduce use of detergents, sprays and chemicals

For the original version of the report, click here

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement