Study Centre

Air pollution, caused largely by burning fossil fuels, is cutting global life expectancy by an average of 1.8 years per person, making it the world’s top killer, indicates recent research. The tiny particles ingested from polluted air shorten life more than first-hand cigarette smoke, which can reduce it by 1.6 years, and are more dangerous than other public health threats such as war and HIV/AIDS.

Only a handful of India’s 100 most polluted cities have drawn up plans to combat air pollution despite being asked to do so three years ago, a report from the World Health Organization indicated earlier this year. PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 are risk factors of all-cause, cardiovascular, stroke, respiratory, and COPD mortality.

Some tips from HCFI:

• Patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis should get the dose of their medicine increased during smog days.
• Avoid exertion in conditions of smog. It is better to avoid walking during smog hours.
• Drive slowly during smog hours.
• Heart patients should stop their early morning walk during smog hours.
• Remember to take the flu pneumonia vaccine.
• Keep doors and windows shut particularly during the early morning hours.
• It is better to wear protective masks if you must venture out.