Traffic, road dust and construction activity add to particulate pollution; doctors flag increased risks for children, elderly and people with existing illnesses
BARASAT: For residents of Barasat, air pollution is becoming a concern that is increasingly difficult to ignore. Heavy traffic, road dust, construction activity and instances of open waste burning are among the factors that can contribute to higher levels of particulate matter in the air.
While Kolkata has been the focus of several studies examining the health impact of air pollution, comparable data specifically documenting the health burden in Barasat remains limited. Doctors working in the area, however, say respiratory complaints offer an important indication of the problem.
Dr Abhradip Das, Consultant-Pulmonology at Narayana Hospital, Barasat, said he has been noticing respiratory complaints that reflect the wider impact of poor air quality. Persistent cough during the winter months and breathlessness among elderly patients are among the problems being seen in clinical practice.
The concern is particularly significant because Barasat lies close to the Kolkata metropolitan area and shares many of the same pollution sources, including vehicle emissions and dust from busy roads.
Why PM2.5 and PM10 Matter
Particulate matter is made up of tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. PM10 can irritate the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract, while the much smaller PM2.5 particles can travel deeper into the lungs.
Long-term exposure to particulate pollution has been associated with respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some pollutants attached to particulate matter are also linked to an increased risk of lung cancer after prolonged exposure.
The impact is not restricted to the respiratory system. Fine particulate pollution has also been associated with inflammation and effects on the cardiovascular system. Exposure can contribute to the worsening of existing heart conditions and may be linked to disturbances in heart rhythm in vulnerable individuals.
Children and Elderly Among Those at Greater Risk
Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more rapidly relative to their body size. Exposure to polluted air can increase the risk of respiratory infections and asthma-related problems.
For older people, the risks can be greater when they already have conditions such as COPD, asthma or cardiovascular disease. Poor air quality may aggravate existing symptoms and increase the strain on the heart and lungs.
People who spend much of their working day outdoors also face prolonged exposure. In Barasat, this includes traffic personnel, hawkers, rickshaw and other transport workers, as well as construction workers who regularly encounter vehicle emissions and road dust.
What Residents Can Do
Health experts recommend checking the Air Quality Index (AQI), particularly during winter and periods of heavy pollution. When air quality deteriorates sharply, residents can reduce unnecessary outdoor exposure and avoid spending prolonged periods in congested traffic.
For people who must travel through polluted areas, a properly fitted N95 mask can provide better protection against fine particulate matter than a standard mask.
Indoor pollution also deserves attention. Burning mosquito coils and excessive use of incense can add to indoor particulate levels. Keeping windows closed during periods of heavy outdoor pollution and using an air purifier where appropriate may help reduce indoor exposure.
People with asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions should continue their prescribed medication and keep their prescribed inhaler available when travelling. Anyone experiencing persistent breathlessness, chest discomfort, worsening cough or other significant symptoms should seek medical attention rather than relying solely on home precautions.
For Barasat, the larger challenge is the lack of detailed local data linking air-quality levels with health outcomes. Regular monitoring of pollution alongside local hospital and public-health data could provide a clearer picture of how much the city’s air is contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular illness.
For now, doctors say the message is straightforward: the quality of the air people breathe every day deserves as much attention as the quality of the water and food they consume.
