Increasing pollution is suffocating people in the national capital. In the last three years, the OPDs of AIIMS and Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute saw significant increase in the number of respiratory disease patients.
Similarly, the number of patients in the private hospitals like Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, BLK Hospital, Medanta Hospital and Fortis Hospital has also increased by 25 to 30 percent.
This impact of pollution on the health of the people was seen in the last week of October.
Keeping in the mind about health hazards of air pollution, AIIMS organised an awareness program to avoid the effects of air pollution on health on Tuesday.
Dr Randeep Guleria, Director of AIIMS and Professor, Department of Pulmonary Disorders and Sleep of AIIMS, said that apart from SPM or suspended particles present in the air, five other factors are also responsible for increasing pollution.
They are carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfuric oxide, lead and nitrogen dioxide are important. These harmful elements are affecting not only the working people but also the school going children and the elderly.
To know the impact of pollution on the health of Delhiites, AIIMS asked for the data of patients arriving at another government and three private hospitals. According to which, Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital received large number of patients suffering from chest infection. The number of patients arriving in the ICU increased tenfold in the months of November to December.
Here is the list of major gases which affect the people:
Carbon Monoxide: It is colourless and odourless. This gas is present in the smoke emitted from car. It causes headache and tiredness. It also affects eyes and heart.
Sulfuric oxide: This gas is produced by burning of coal and fuel. It compresses the respiratory system of patients who are suffering from asthma.
Nitrogen Dioxide: This red and brown gas combines with the oxygen present in the atmosphere. It inhibits the respiration process. Its presence increases the effects of smog four times.
Lead: It affects kidneys and lungs. It is a type of metal which also affects the functioning of the brain.
