Industrial gases up lung ailments during monsoon

Hyderabad: The perils of monsoon are well known as people with respiratory ailments like asthma or chronic bronchitis can be extremely vulnerable. When this is supplemented with toxic chemical gases in the air, the effect can be dangerous. 

“Allergies, bronchitis and recurring asthmas are very common in the OPDs now,” says Dr C.H. Sunil Kumar, a general physician with Relief Hospital. He explai-ned that with lowered temperatures, it was easier for a virus to take firm grip on a person. Immunity is reduced as it is damaged by chemical dust particles.

“When chemical dust enters the airways, it turns the airway hyper reactive which can cause severe irritation,” said Dr Kumar.

The symptoms of numerous patients living near industrial areas in Jeedimetla, Sanathnagar Miyapur and Nizampet run along similar lines.

“My mother’s asthma turns extremely bad in the evening when the factories release toxic gases,” said Mr Nanda Kishor, a resident of Madinaguda. Residents prefer to stay indoors after sunset in these areas. 

In both these areas, volatile organic compounds were noted in the range of 300-400 by the PCB in June. 

“The situation has improved a lot from previous years as multiple industries have been closed and sustained action has been taken from the government,” said Ratna Gopal, president of the Hill County Owners' Association.