Need local studies on air pollution

Health experts feel local studies are necessary to find out the exact number of those suffering from respiratory problems since Chennai is also facing severe air pollution issues. 

If a child lives in an area close to factories — like North Chennai — or in a highly dust-prone locality, the chances of him or her facing severe respiratory issues are high. Similarly, if an expectant mother is exposed to pollution, the chances of the child developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are also high. The recent UNICEF study has highlighted the urgent need to address air pollution as there is a link between air pollution and the health risks faced by children under five years of age. It states that one in seven of the world’s children, live in areas with the highest toxic levels of outdoor air pollution.

The study says that South Asia is the worst affected, with 620 million living in affected areas. Dr D Vijayasekaran, paediatric pulmonologist, says that the study has shifted the spotlight on the need to not just address air pollution. “Pneumonia may not be directly linked to air pollution, but the latter definitely makes the child predisposed to the illnesses. Children with respiratory problems like wheezing, hail from highly polluted areas. Take the case of North Madras where there are several effluents from nearby factories, and you will know what we mean,” he says. 

Dr Sathish Kumar, neurologist at Fortis Malar, says that air pollution can have far reaching implications, especially after affecting the heart health. “The minute the person develops cardiovascular troubles, the central nervous system is bound to suffer. Air pollution strikes even before a child is born through the placenta,” he says. 

While there are international reports supporting the wide range of impact, we need more localised studies, points out Dr B Rajagopalan, Head, Pulmonology Department, Sri Ramachandra University. “This will help us ascertain the damaging impact and take effective steps.”