To raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution, particularly on children, and fostering discussions on effective pollution control measures, Bengal Clean Air Network, Lung Care Foundation and Doctors for Clean Air, supported CMRI Hospitals, to successfully organize an event at the CMRI Auditorium in Kolkata.
In light of the worsening air quality levels observed, the experts, consisting of doctors, scientists and environmentalists emphasized the urgent need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being of individuals. The event featured a special address by Prof (Dr.) Arvind Kumar, Founder Trustee of the Lung Care Foundation (India) and Chairman of the Centre for Chest Surgery, followed by a panel discussion. Esteemed panelists included Dr. Abhijeet Chatterjee, Senior Scientist, Bose institute; Dr. Arup Halder, Consultant Pulmonologist at CMRI Hospital; Dr. Swati (Nandi) Chakraborty, Environment Consultant of Cantonment Board (GOI) and Dr. Ipshita Prosad, RG Kar Medical College.
Prof (Dr.) Arvind Kumar, Founder Trustee of the Lung Care Foundation (India) and Chairman of the Centre for Chest Surgery stated, “22 micrograms of PM 2.5 is equivalent to smoking one cigarette in terms of damage. If the PM 2.5 level reaches 250, it’s like smoking 12 cigarettes. A child born in a polluted city, when the PM 2.5 is 250 would have essentially smoked 12 cigarettes on their first day of his/her life. In polluted cities, newborns effectively become smokers, which is why we now see lung cancer in young people due to air pollution exposure from birth.”
Around 50 people including members of civil society, child rights organizations, teachers, and principals participated to foster discussions and develop strategies to prevent acute health exposure resulting from air pollution. The event proved to be an important platform for raising awareness and promoting dialogue about the health impacts of air pollution.
Moderating the panel discussion, Mr. Ajay Mittal, Executive Consultant, SwitchON Foundation said, “Air pollution is a global health hazard. Urgent action is needed, beginning with sharing the right knowledge.”
The event tackled pressing concerns about air pollution and climate change, both recognized as significant threats to public health. Participants engaged in a comprehensive dialogue on the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change, analyzing the latest data to highlight the interconnected health risks posed by environmental degradation. The discussion also explored recent research findings and case studies to underscore the urgency of addressing environmental health concerns. By sharing best practices and innovative solutions, attendees had the opportunity to learn about successful approaches and technologies that can mitigate environmental health impacts.
Prof Abhijit Chatterjee of Bose Institute, said, “Solid waste burning and biomass burning are the major sources of air pollution over Kolkata at the current scenario. For air quality upgradation in Kolkata, these two sources need to be controlled. These sources are the major emitter of carcinogenic components that creates high oxidative stress.
Dr. Arup Halder, Consultant Pulmonologist, CMRI Hospital said, “Recent scientific studies are showing we have entered the Anthropocene age from Holocene climate age. The risk factors of disease will also change with this change of climatic conditions. Medical fraternity will need a reorientation for changing patterns of the disease.”
Dr. Swati (Nandi) Chakraborty, Environment Consultant of Cantonment Board (GOI) stated, “Recently, the Lancet report in July 2024 has shown that air pollution caused by PM2.5 is responsible for over 7% of daily deaths in 10 major Indian cities. Tackling local pollution sources like vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust and waste burning will be crucial.”
One of the main goals of the event was to encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation to develop effective strategies in safeguarding public health from environmental threats. By fostering cooperation among various stakeholders, the discussion aimed to devise and enact robust strategies that will improve air quality and protect the well-being of individuals, especially children. Additionally, the discussion delved into the transition from the Holocene to the Anthropocene, highlighting how human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have accelerated environmental changes. This understanding of geological epochs provided attendees with a deeper insight into the urgency of addressing current environmental crises.
Dr. Ipshita Prosad, R G Kar Medical College said, “As doctors, we have the power to influence our patients to adopt sustainable lifestyles. For example, encouraging them to wear masks in areas of heavy pollution can make a significant difference in their health and the environment.”
