Patiala air quality worsens; Health Dept issues advisory

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Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 8

After the Patiala air quality index (AQI) reached the category of ‘very poor’, the Health Department on Monday advised residents to refrain from venturing out, especially during evening hours. Patiala’s AQI was 334 on Monday evening, highest in the state.

Officials of the Health Department said that those most susceptible to air pollution include, individuals with heart disease, coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure and individuals with lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Health officials said that pregnant women, children under the age of 14 years and elderly were also vulnerable and should avoid outdoor activities. Athletes who have to do intensive bout of exercises should also avoid outdoor workouts.

Dr Sumeet Singh, nodal officer, National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health, said, “Microscopic pollutants in the air can slip past our body’s defences, penetrating deep into our respiratory and circulatory system, damaging our lungs, heart and brain. Prolonged exposure to poor air conditions can have an impact on human health.”

Meanwhile, people have started complaining of burning eyes and difficulty in breathing. Some people have also been complaining of sore throats due to poor air quality.

A doctor of Government Rajindra Hospital said, “It is a health emergency. I have started using air purifier in my house as my kid is very young.”