Harvest season begins, triggering health concerns

With the paddy harvesting season kicking off, the age-old practice of stubble burning has once again returned to the fields. The clouds of smoke rising from harvested fields would soon not only choke the air but also pose a grave risk to human health, especially for those already suffering from respiratory ailments.

Doctors have warned that even short-term exposure to the smoke can trigger coughing, throat irritation and burning of the eyes. For vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the impact can be far more severe.

“The fine particles released during stubble burning penetrate deep into the lungs and can worsen conditions like asthma and COPD. Patients have often reported difficulty in breathing with just a slight increase in smoke in the air,” said Dr Swaranjit Dhawan, Civil Surgeon.

The smoke from crop residue burning contains a dangerous mix of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Medical experts state that exposure to such pollutants is directly linked to respiratory infections, heart problems and in some cases, premature deaths. According to public health studies, areas affected by stubble burning report a significant spike in hospital visits during this season every year.

Beyond respiratory illnesses, prolonged exposure can also cause systemic health issues. “The toxins released into the atmosphere can enter the bloodstream, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lowering immunity,” added Dr Dhawan. Pregnant women and newborns are at higher risk, with studies linking such exposure to low birth weight and developmental complications in children.

Even though burning of crop residue is just at a beginning stage, residents of villages and towns near burning fields say they are already feeling the effects. “My father, who is an asthma patient, finds it very difficult to breathe. We cannot even open windows at night during the harvesting season,” said Gurmeet Kaur, a resident of Paris avenue on the outskirts of the city.