Bhogi bonfire ritual has city gasping for breath

The people are careless in throwing harmful material into the bonfire, affecting the health severely. They are putting tyres and plastic materials in the bonfire, which releases a thick toxic smoke of pollutants, affecting the elderly and infants alike.

“If lactating women breathe such hazardous pollutants, it not only affects her but also her baby. Children are especially at risk as hundreds of toxic pollutants, that get emitted during the burning of tyres, as well as a tremendous number of small particles, settle deep in the lungs,” said Dr Sreenivasan V, Consultant Pulmonologist, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Gleneagles Global Health City. 

Medicos say exposure to air pollution can trigger new cases of asthma, exacerbate previously existing respiratory illness, and provoke development or progression of chronic illnesses including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emphysema. Although current and ex-smokers account for most patients with COPD, exposure to air pollutants leads to acute exacerbations. The WHO has concluded that exposure to indoor air pollution doubles the risk of pneumonia and other acute lower respiratory infections.

“People who develop respiratory symptoms or exacerbation of already existing lung disease should avoid going close to the areas were tyres are burnt during the festival. Since air pollution usually remains at different levels for days or months, by taking some extra precautions, we can avoid respiratory problems at least in those with chronic respiratory diseases,” added Dr Sreenivasan.

According to various researches, consistent exposure to high levels of air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to miscarriages as well as premature birth, autism spectrum disorder and asthma in children. 

Air pollution can damage children’s brain development, and also cause pneumonia, which kills almost one million children under the age of five every year. Children who breathe in higher levels of pollutants also face a greater risk of short-term respiratory infections and lung damage.

“The increase in the pollutants leads to exacerbations in the people who are suffering from respiratory or pulmonary issues. People with asthma and children find it difficult to breathe particularly due to exacerbations that occur because of poor air quality,” said senior pulmonologist Dr V Ranjith.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has formed special teams and squads to strengthen monitoring arrangements for Bhogi in all corporation zones in the city.