Pune: The State Public Health Department has issued an order to curb growing air pollution in Maharashtra. It has advised citizens that they should use face masks and air purifiers. They should also avoid stepping out of their homes during the high air pollution days. Particularly, children, elderly and sick people should take care.
It has been found that air pollution levels in most of the cities in the State have gone up. The air quality in these cities is worsening. Their Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 200 in many cities.
Effects of air pollution on your health
According to officials, illnesses may be aggravated due to air pollution. It may cause cough, dizziness, chest pain, respiratory tract illnesses and irritation of eyes, nose and throat. If not treated in time, it may cause heart diseases, cancer of lungs and even untimely death.
Care to be taken
According to a news report that appeared in a leading national English daily, State Health Department Joint Director Dr Pratapsinh Saranikar said that children, elderly and sick people should use N95 and N99 masks in the coming days. Those using biomass fuel for cooking and sanitary workers should use the mask without fail. If they are using air purifiers, then they should either change or clean their filters at regular intervals. “To avoid contact with the air outside, air conditioners in buildings and cars should be used in the re-circulate mode,” said Dr Saranikar.
He issued following instructions:
*Avoid visiting high-polluted places such as industries, construction sites, power generation units, brick kilns, etc
*Eat healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, which contain plenty of anti-oxidants and keep hydrated
*Avoid doing exercise or taking walks during the worst AQI days
*Do not open windows and doors in the evenings and mornings
*Do not burn wood, coal, cow dung and kerosene
*Use smokeless fuel (gas or power) for cooking
*Use clean stove for biomass
*Avoid bursting firecrackers
*Do not burn wood, leaves and remains of crops in the open
*Do not smoke and consume tobacco products
*Do not burn mosquito repellent coils in a closed room
*Clean houses using wet clothes and do not dust off or vacuum clean them
*Take the doctor’s advice in case of cough, dizziness, chest pain or irritation of eyes
