Health Department issues advisory on air pollution in Gurugram

As the air quality has worsened in Gurugram district with air quality index (AQI) going beyond 450 on Monday, the Health Department has issued an advisory for the local residents to reduce risk from exposure to air pollutants.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Virender Yadav said it was crucial for people to take precautions such as wearing masks and using air purifiers indoors if they fell in high-risk category and avoid outdoor activities when the air quality was poor.

He said the people might experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, sudden decrease in lung function and irritation in eyes, nose and throat. Under such circumstances, one should immediately consult a physician to get medicines.

He asked the locals to avoid travelling to places located near industries and construction and demolition sites.

He said one should avoid outdoor morning and late evening walks and physical exercise. Avoid burning biomass such as wood, coal, animal dung and kerosene and use clean smokeless fuels (gas or electricity) for cooking and heating purposes. He also advised people to avoid burning wood/charcoal in ‘Anghiti’ during cold weather conditions in closed rooms, which might be fatal due to carbon dioxide emissions. The CMO advised them not to use room fresheners because since it had ill effects as it consumed oxygen in the vicinity very fast.

Further, he asked the residents to avoid burning firecrackers on marriage ceremonies, avoid burning wood, leaves, crop residues and waste. He asked them not to smoke cigarettes/bidis and other tobacco products, avoid burning mosquito coils and incense sticks, practice wet mopping instead of sweeping or vacuum cleaning inside homes, keep washing eyes with running water, do gargles regularly with warm water, consult the nearest doctor in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain, irritation in eyes, and eat healthy diet with fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants, besides drinking adequate water.

Dr Yadav said people having chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular problems should be more careful to avoid exposure to air pollution. They must avoid any strenuous activity and stay indoors, keep a check on exacerbations of suggestive symptoms and properly follow doctor’s instructions, besides keeping the prescribed medications readily available at home.