Bengaluru metro work spikes air pollution; lung disease cases on the rise

If you are suffering from recurrent cough and cold in Bengaluru, behold and think again. It might not just be a common cough and cold but allergy or a lung disease that you have been neglecting. But again, this was not your fault, given the spike in air pollution in the city, this could very well be the city atmosphere that has led you to this condition.

According to a report by the Bangalore Mirror, 16 out of 16 locations in the city have exceeded the national limits of 60 ug/m3 for PM10. The report attributes the air pollution to dust emanating from bad roads, construction activities that are taking place on a large scale. The elderly and the children below the age of 10 years are more susciptible to air pollution and fall prey to various kinds of lung diseases. It is also being said that an exponential increase in particulate matter in the air in Bengaluru city is the main cause for the rise in lung disease. PM can be in the form of dust, soot, liquid droplets, smoke, dirt, and more. Some particles are large enough to be seen as soot or smoke while others are too miniscule to be detected. 

In fact, particles that are less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose a health hazard because they can be easily inhaled and can get accumulated in the respiratory system. Particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are referred to as "fine" particles and prove to be the most hazardous. According to a survey by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), PM10 and PM 2.5 have exceeded the national standard in many places in Bengaluru. It also says that the Central Silk Board and Hosur Road and Whitefield Industrial area have the highest PM content with almost double the limit. Particulate matter causes damage to human lungs during night and early morning and therefore people are affected mostly during these times. 

Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, Lakshman, Chairman of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board said, "Density of vehicles has increased in the city. Road and Metro works and construction activities are major causes for increase in air pollution in the city. Dust emanating from bad roads too is contributing its share. In order to control pollution in the city, the KSPCB has recommended several measures including imposing a ban on 15-year-old vehicles and encouraging CNG-fuelled vehicles in the city. Expansion of Metro corridor will also reduce the air pollution as more people are likely to rely on Metro for travelling.”
 

• karnataka
• south