Risks associated with poor air quality highlighted

Eminent specialists discussed about the 'Role of Interventional Pulmonology in India’ at the ‘ASPIRE 2016’ symposium at Taj Deccan. The symposium was inaugurated by Sangita Reddy, Jt. Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals. Speaking on the occasion, Sangita Reddy said, “India has 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world.

Because of the pollution lung diseases like TB, Lung Cancer and Asthma have been on the rise. In India, about half a million lives are lost due to COPD, which is four times more than in any other country.” “By 2030, pulmonology related disorders will be the third largest killer,” she warned.

Highlighting the risk of COPD being two times higher in those exposed to pollution, Dr Sai Praveen Haranath, Consultant Pulmologist, Apollo Hospitals said, “The quality of air around us has unfortunately changed significantly and the problem on account of this is particulate matters get stuck in lungs.

If we don't do something about it today, we will end up in disaster. Research has recently indicated that poor air quality can lead to heart attack. People are living shorter lives due to poor air quality.” Dr Atul Mehta, HOD, Dept. of Pulmonary Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, USA, delivered the keynote address on the occasion. Dr Hari Prasad, President, Apollo Hospitals and Dr Vijay Kumar Chennamchetty were also present at the event.