Jharkhand, 7th April, 2023: Inter State Doctors and Civil Society Organizations came together at a webinar organized by SwitchON Foundation, to create awareness amongst common citizens about the deteriorating health condition due to the increasing air pollution, and identify solutions to lead a healthy lifestyle. The webinar highlighted the negative impacts of inequities on health and well-being, social and economic development, and the advantages of improving health for all through better and more equitable health services in Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. A panel discussion followed by a training session was also organized as a part of the virtual event.
India has ranked 8th in the global list of countries with the most hazardous air quality and hosts 12 of the 15 most polluted cities from Central and South Asia’ (The 2022 World Air Quality Report) It has been observed over the years that though air pollution affects all but some people are more susceptible than others like children, older people, pregnant women, and people with pre existing heart and lung disease.
The virtual event was attended by distinguished experts like Pulomonologists, Oncologists and pediatricians from West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand who were highlighting the effect of air pollution on the vulnerable section of society. Leading organizations volunteered to join the training program conducted by distinguished doctors to understand the current situation of the impact of air Pollution on health.
Dr. Suprova Chakraborty, Consultant Pulmonologist from Raj Hospital, Ranchi attending the webinar stated, “The microscopic air pollutants like PM2.5 can enter the respiratory system through the mouth, nose and even the eyes and can cause severe lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,heart disease, stroke and even cancer. So, it is very important for the vulnerable section of our society to avoid high traffic areas and go outdoors only w
hen it is required. Domestic Pollution is also a major concern, so switching to LPG from biomass fuel and using a well ventilated kitchen are very important to save the health of vulnerable populations like elderly, kids and women.”
The webinar was registered and viewed by a large number of people including civil society organizations, youth groups, health professionals, media, and other stakeholders. Some of the NGO’s attending the webinar from Jharkhand were Bal Kalyan Sangh, FD Foundation and Samadhan Foundation.
Dr. Arup Haldar, Consultant Pulmonologist from Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata said, “From a given amount of exposure, the children are at a higher risk as they breathe deep and fast. Sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.”
As per the 2022 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir, India ranks 8th most polluted country in the world. As per the report the average PM2.5 level in India in 2022 was 53.3pg/m3 which exceeds the WHO PM2.5 guideline by over 10 times.
SwitchON Foundation also revealed a study at the webinar, based on a public perception study of human health in Jharkhand. The idea was to get a better understanding about the awareness and sensitivity of people regarding air pollution in Jharkhand.
The study found that a majority of respondents i.e 76% in Jharkhand, and 85% in Ranchi in the survey said that air pollution is causing a threat to human health. 85% of residents of Jharkhand, and almost 80% of respondents surveyed in the city of Ranchi said vehicular emissions are the major pollution-causing factor, followed by industries and open waste burning. Almost 50% of the respondents listed open waste burning to be a responsible factor of air pollution.
The study has revealed that both males and females across Jharkhand have considered air pollution to be a threat to human health. People perceive the rising number of vehicles on the roads to be the primary cause of air pollution. During the survey, they expressed their opinion of the active promotion of cycling, walking, carpooling, and shifting to electric vehicles as measures to control air pollution. The respondents want the government to create walking zones and cycling paths on the roads for active promotion of cycling and walking so that people cycle for livelihood and not for lifestyle
Concluding the whole event, Vinay Jaju, Managing director of SwitchON Foundation said. “Air Pollution is the biggest threat to the health of humans, our survey also shows people are very concerned about air pollution. That is why on this global health day, we have connected leading doctors and ngos to make public aware of the dangerous health effects due to the rise of pollutants and collectively take urgent action along with government agencies”.
Media Dossier
Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in
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