VISAKHAPATNAM, NOV. 9. City-dwellers are subject to a variety of pollutants, the major ones being water, air and sound. Water pollution has some effective remedies and noise rising to cacophonous levels is an occasional hazard. But air pollution leaves citizens vulnerable to several health problems.
This is most evident when one travels from the Convent Junction to the Naval Dockyard, a route which has several industries. They are exposed to fine particles of ore and gases produced by sulphur heaps because of the moisture in the air, and other emissions from the units in the area.
"Regular exposure to the pollutants may lead to respiratory track infection resulting in irritating cough which will not respond to any antibiotic," says N. Srinivasa Rao, a retired professor and Head of the Department of Medicine in Andhra Medical College.
"Continued exposure may result in chronic bronchitis and trapping of air in the tissues of the lungs.
This will lead to a situation called emphysema with persistent cough, breathlessness resulting in reduction of working capacity. If the situation worsens, it will lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," he says and adds that the condition of those already suffering from bronchitis or bouts of asthma, will aggravate.
The number of cases of irritation of throat and violent cough are increasing, he points out. Though the AP Pollution Control Board officials regularly monitor the pollution levels and occasionally take penal action against the polluters, the problem remains unabated.
The city, being an industrial hub, has no other option other than to co-exist with pollution. How then to cope with this menace? "Wearing anti-pollution mask can be one way of countering the problem," suggests Dr. Srinivasa Rao.
