Maharashtra Pollution Control Board: 16-hour exposure to foul air harmful; doctors say even 1 hour bad – ET HealthWorld

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Mumbai: A recent claim by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) that the health impact of pollution only becomes significant after 16 hours of exposure has irked the medical community. Doctors have cautioned that even an hour’s exposure to high pollution levels can have serious long-term effects.

MPCB member secretary Avinash Dhakne said the country faces higher pollution every winter and unless poor AQI levels prevail in a city/area for 16 hours, it can’t be said for certain that they adversely affect human health.

According to Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) data, areas like Deonar, BKC, Kherwadi, Andheri, Borivli, Ghatkopar, Kandivli, Malad, Sewri, Chembur, Mazgaon, Navy Nagar and Colaba experienced ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ AQI, ranging from 150-200 and, in some cases, even higher, this post-monsoon season. As per CPCB, Mumbai’s average AQI on Monday was 184, indicating a ‘moderate’ level of pollution. But MPCB and BMC data showed that at least four areas—Colaba, Malad West (both 239), Sewri (213) and BKC (205)—slipped into the ‘poor’ air category. Even moderate pollution levels can cause breathing difficulties in people with lung/heart disease, children and older adults.

Dr Rohini Choughule, a pulmonologist at Bombay Hospital who also runs a lung clinic, criticised the MPCB statement. “Such claims lack merit. The impact of pollution depends on the specific conditions under which a person is exposed. For instance, if someone is running or walking outdoors as part of their daily routine during pollution-heavy winter months, health effects can manifest within an hour of exposure.” She asserted that people are taking ill due to poor enforcement of pollution control measures.

A recent study published in Lancet Planetary Health even linked rising pollution levels to an increase in antibiotic resistance in more than 100 countries over two decades.

For Mehak Walia (25), a fashion professional who frequently visits Mumbai from Pune, pollution has exacerbated issues caused by a deviated nasal septum. She said pain in her sinuses has worsened since her move out of Goa.

Dr Vaibhav Kubal, a pulmonologist attached to Bandra’s Holy Family Hospital who runs a clinic in Santacruz, reported seeing “10 to 12 patients a week” with breathing issues. Dr Priti Meshram, who leads pulmonary medicine at JJ Hospital, said “there is no doubt people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are affected within an hour of exposure to poor air quality”.

Meanwhile, Dhakne said MPCB was considering asking civic bodies to take action against polluting sources, like bakeries and ready-mix concrete units, only if AQI remains at 200 or above (poor) for 16 hours. MMR has 50,000 sources of smoke/dust, including tandoors and frying ovens.

In Delhi, where the air quality has been severe recently, Supreme Court pulled up the local authorites for delays in promptly implementing the response action plan formulated for such scenarios.

  • Published On Nov 26, 2024 at 11:31 AM IST

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