Kolkata, Nov. 6 -- Rising air pollution ahead of winter, compounded by firecracker emissions during Diwali and Kali Puja, could aggravate respiratory problems, particularly among lung cancer patients, those with chronic respiratory diseases, children and the elderly, doctors have warned. Even green crackers are far from harmless, they say. Doctors warn that even reduced emissions can trigger asthma attacks and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Firecrackers release PM2.5 and PM10 particles, along with toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, which can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, triggering coughing, wheezing and breathlessness while aggravating existing health conditions in the long term, say doctors.
"Lung cancer patients with coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are particularly vulnerable because their lung function is already compromised. While long-term exposure to air pollution increases lung-cancer risk, even a brief pollution spike can worsen symptoms in these patients," said Dr Sayoni Bhanja, a consultant medical oncologist at HCG Cancer Centre.
Dr Rupali Basu of HCG Cancer Hospitals said even healthy people can be affected by such pollution, while those with existing respiratory problems face a greater risk.
"A well-fitting N95 face mask can reduce particle exposure outdoors, while a HEPA air purifier can help indoors," she said.
Dr Arup Halder, a consultant pulmonologist at C K Birla Hospitals, pointed out that air pollution in Bengal generally begins to build up from October. "Colder air, combined with reduced air currents and air mass movement, has a greater tendency to hold a higher concentration of pollutants close to the ground," he said.
The doctor advised people, particularly children and the elderly, to reduce going outdoors once AQI crosses 100. With agency inputs
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.