Mosquito incense is causing an increase in asthma patients

As every year, senior citizens and children are suffering from air pollution on cold days this year and asthma, COPD and allergy diseases are on the rise. The matter has come to light in an observation reported by Terna Specialty Hospital and Research Center at Nerul.

Giving more information about this, Dr. Abhay Uppe, a Pulmonologist at Terna Specialty Hospital and Research Center, said, "This year Respiratory disorders have increased by 20 to 30 per cent. Air pollution in Mumbai is mostly associated with heavy industry or traffic, but the fact that biomass is burnt on almost every street goes unnoticed. Part of the reason is the extent of the slum population, which is forced to scavenge for wood, coal, plastic to keep kitchen fires burning. The deterioration in the air quality of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai over the last decade can be attributed to overpopulation, congestion, rapid industrialization, reduction in green cover, and increasing urbanization. Due to fog on cold days, the smoke does not go above 200 feet above the ground level and it affects children and senior citizens. This polluted air is more likely to have adverse effects on pregnant women."

Talking about air pollution and health ailments, Dr.Urvi Maheshwari Physician from Zynova Shalby Hospital Ghatkopar said, "We have various factors responsible for air pollution both indoors and outdoors. Dust from roads, vehicle fumes, dust, burning of factories, crops and household waste is degrading air quality. Homes are also a major source of air pollution.

A mosquito agarbatti or incense burned for about six to eight hours is as dangerous as the fine dust produced by a hundred cigarettes. Individuals get a variety of infections. Heart disease and lung cancer, as well as a weakened immune system can lead to a variety of disorders.

As per Indian Government regulations, any household insecticide product including mosquito repellent incense sticks needs to be approved by the Central Insecticide Board (CIB). Rigorous tests of such products are done by the CIB on toxicity and safety. There are many such companies making spurious or unapproved mosquito repellent incense sticks and people are oblivious of the health hazards."