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Concern: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 11 of the 12 cities with the worst PM2.5 pollution are in India

What air quality alerts tell us about?

Air quality alerts inform the public about pollution levels in the air and advises vulnerable groups – such as children, elderly and people with lung disease- to take precautions.

An AQI number under 100 signifies good or acceptable air quality, while number above 100 is cause for concern and triggers an alert for vulnerable group.

The four major pollutants: - Ozone

When it’s up the Earth’s stratosphere, ozone gas protects us from harmful U.V rays. But at ground level ozone a major component of smog, can cause coughing, chest tightness or pain, decrease lung function and worsen asthma and other chronic lung diseases. It can harm the lining of the lungs, make lungs more vulnerable to infection, and potentially damage them.

Particulate matter

According to the aerodynamic diameter, 2 categories of particles are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency:

  • Coarse particulate matter (PM10) with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm, and
  • Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with an aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 μm.

Particles <10 μm in diameter can penetrate the nasal cavity to reach the alveoli, thus reaching the lungs and escaping into the blood stream. The smaller a particle is, the longer it will stay in the deeper sites of the lungs; furthermore, particles <1  μm  act  like gas molecules and reach the circulatory system. It can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue; it can also aggravate asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Carbon monoxide

Because carbon monoxide decreases the amount of oxygen reaching the body’s organs, it can cause flu-like symptoms and chest pain in those with cardiovascular disease. While everyone is susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning, the unborn, babies, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems are most at risk. High levels of carbon monoxide can result in dizziness, blurred vision and confusion.

Sulfur dioxide

Normally the irritating gas is kept out of the body by the nasal passages, but when physical exertion necessitates mouth breathing, sulfur dioxide can cause wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Long-term exposure can aggravate asthma and other chronic lung and cardiovascular diseases.

Air Pollution tied to wide range of illness. Air pollution may not always be visible, but it can be deadly.

Ayurveda always is the preferred choice of treatment in tough to treat conditions, In Shushrut Samhita acharya mentioned that in efforts to protect one’s army and land the weaker king introduces various types of poisons in land water and air in the way of a strong king and thus causes deliberate harm to the environment and other living beings including human. During those days it was the duty of royal physician to identify such toxic environment and purify it and also treat the persons affected by such environment.

Taking from the wealth of Ayurveda, Jufex forte cough syrup formulated with best of herbs in therapeutic concentration to help the vulnerable group of people, who suffers most from respiratory troubles because of one or the other reason.

 

Recommendations

  • Conserving energy is important. Turn off unnecessary lights and turn down air conditioning. Use Energy Star appliances.
  • Drive less and take public transportation or bike.
  • During air quality alerts, the vulnerable should reduce physical exertion and try to stay indoors with the windows closed. Those with asthma should carry their inhalers and use a face mask if they go outdoors.
  • Everyone has the right to breathe clean air, so is responsible for keeping air clean. # be aware #be responsible #Jufex forte

Information on this website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. This website is meant for use by Indian residents only.