“All medical professionals should educate their patients on a daily basis about the hazards of air pollution. Additionally, there is also a need to follow some measures at an individual level because every small contribution can lead to a big change,’’ states the latest directive of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to its doctors.
Health hazard
The direction is part of the Association’s latest campaign “ Kahin aapke area mein pollution to nahi ?” Under this campaign, all State/local branches, as well as medical professionals, are requested to make efforts to bring down the atmospheric pollution level.
A release issued by the Association on Saturday noted that air pollution is not only a major environmental hazard but also a major health hazard. “Air pollution is one of the major causes of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and other acute respiratory problems. The need of the hour is to bring out stringent guidelines against inefficient modes of transport, household fuel and waste burning, coal-fired power plants, and industrial activities, as these are some of the major sources of air pollution,’’ noted IMA national president Dr. K.K. Aggarwal.
Increased risk
Household air pollution in developing countries is associated with increased risk for conditions such as low birth-weight and perinatal mortality (still births and deaths in the first week of life), asthma, otitis media (middle ear infection) and other acute upper respiratory infections, tuberculosis, nasopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, and cervical cancer.
Sustained efforts
Stating that the need of the hour is dedicated and sustained efforts that involve the public as well, IMA noted the doctors’ efforts will be a supplement to the provision for environmental protection in our Constitution and steps have been taken by the government to address this issue.
