We need to shift to alternative cleaner fuels
What is the reason for the increase in the cases of respiratory diseases in the city ?
Both indoor and outdoor pollution has increased in the city. Increase in the number of vehicles on the roads and large number of industrial units has contributed to the outdoor pollution. Combustion products of fuels such as sulphur dioxide can bring about a tenfold increase in the cases of asthma, nitric dioxide can increase it by 60 per cent while ozone and suspended particulate matter can increase it by 43 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. On the other hand, centrally air-conditioned houses, poor ventilation in the houses, high humidity that leads growth of allergenic fungi and dust mites contribute to the indoor air pollution. How can the air pollution be reduced?
The first thing to do is to create awareness amongst the people regarding the impact of the air pollution. Highlighting the data on air quality in the district can help.Secondly, lessen the use of vehicles. This requires improvement of the public transport system. Alternative, cleaner sources of fuel are the need of the hour. Strict legislation regarding vehicular and industrial pollution needs to be put in place. To reduce the indoor pollution, well-ventilated houses should be built and should be kept clean to reduce growth of fungi and insects.
What has been the impact of the report ?
Data from the study has prompted the government authorities to introduce strict norms on vehicular and industrial pollution. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has introduced incentives to people who report about government vehicles that pollute along with levying fines on polluting industries. We had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister on the 8th of June regarding the ill effects of tobacco smoking. The government intends to ban smoking in public areas. The legal modalities are yet to be finalised though.
What are the problems that you faced during the study ?
One big problem was that the schools initially refused to let us conduct the study. Even the parents were not willing to let us include their children in the study. This problem was more aggravated in the case of girls.
There were also cases of parents blaming us that the study was increasing the number of asthma attacks the children suffered. And some people who did not object to the study demanded free medication to be distributed.
What kind of support do you expect from the government ?
Though one shouldn't depend on the government for everything, the government can take active measures to control outdoor pollution and ban cigarette smoking in public places. The government should include people and organisations involved in such studies in the process of policy making. It is also very important to increase the awareness amongst the people.