Breathless in B'luru: Asthma, bronchitis cases up 30%

As the city grapples with alarming pollution levels, experts call for urgent action to safeguard the health of its residents

NT Bengaluru: World Environment Health Day serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between environmental quality and human health. In Bengaluru, air pollution has emerged as a major public health concern. The deterioration in air quality is not just an environmental issue; it poses a direct threat to the health of residents. According to the Central Environmental Laboratory report, AQI values fluctuate between Good and Satisfactory, with the prominent pollutants identified as PM10. The current PM 2.5 concentration in the city is 3.8 times above the recommended limit given by the WHO’s air quality guidelines value. The consequences are alarming.

A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that the incidence of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis, has risen by 30 per cent over the past five years. Additionally, hospital admissions related to cardiovascular diseases have increased by 25 per cent. These statistics underscore the need for effective measures to combat Bengaluru's air pollution crisis. Recently, Karnataka's Forest Minister, Eshwar Khandre, inaugurated the 'Bamboo 4 Bengaluru' initiative, emphasising the urgent need for bamboo cultivation as a solution to the city's pollution and water scarcity issues. “Bamboo not only conserves water but also enhances air quality by producing more oxygen and absorbing carbon,” he stated. This initiative aims to transform Bengaluru into a 'bamboo city,' promoting environmental sustainability and improving air quality. Dr Aravinda S N, Lead Consultant in Internal Medicine at Aster RV, highlighted the health implications of Bengaluru's air pollution.

He noted that urban pollution, alongside smoking, has contributed to a rise in chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, cancer rates, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, are increasing due to lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet. Dr Rajani Surendar Bhat, a Consultant Pulmonologist at SPARSH Hospital shared, “Bengaluru's air pollution stems from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, construction dust, and open burning.” She added that rapid urbanisation has led to a significant increase in the number of vehicles.