'Minimise exposure, use public transport': Centre's advisory as air pollution levels spike

NEW DELHI: With rising air pollution in many cities, the government has called for states to improve their preparedness and boost healthcare workforce capacity. This is essential to address the worsening air quality expected during the festival season and the winter months.

Union health ministry on Friday wrote a letter to states urging them to discourage stubble and waste burning and help people reduce the use of firecrackers. People have also been adviced to avoid crowded areas and switch to public transport .

“Additionally, individuals should be advised to minimise their exposure to polluted air by monitoring air quality indices through government mobile applications before venturing outdoors, avoiding heavily congested areas, and opting for cleaner fuels at home for cooking, heating, and lighting,” Dr. Atul Goel, director general of health services wrote in the letter.

Air pollution has become a serious health issue, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in certain regions reaching moderate to very poor levels. The situation is likely to worsen due to upcoming festivals and winters.

Air pollution leads to acute health problems and worsens chronic diseases affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular systems. It often causes an increase in premature deaths, especially among children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Dr. Goel stressed the need for state health departments and healthcare facilities to step up their readiness. This includes public awareness campaigns, messaging in regional languages, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and participating in surveillance systems for air pollution-related diseases under the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health.

He highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about preventing further air quality degradation. Recommended actions include discouraging stubble and waste burning, reducing firecrackers, promoting public transport, limiting the use of diesel generators, and curbing smoking.

Outdoor activities like sports and exercise should be restricted for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Goel advised those experiencing symptoms due to poor air quality to seek immediate medical attention.

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