Pollution zones in city to curb asthma: Experts

Concerned about the rising cases of asthma in the national capital, experts have suggested that the city can typically be categorised in red, yellow and green zones according to pollution levels and the government agencies accordingly should develop mechanisms to tackle growing number of pulmonary diseases.

According to health experts, areas near Delhi’s borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as well as industrial clusters typically fall under the “red zone.” Areas like Mundka, Sahupura, Rajokri, Okhla, Badarpur, Narela, Chhattarpur and others are where the government, civil society and healthcare service providers should come together to create a strict protocol for this region.

They advised that monitoring should be made mandatory, screening of elderly and children should be increased and frequent camps should be organised to sensitise people on safety and precautions. Traffic policemen and those exposed to prolonged external environments should be provided safety gear and their duties moderated.

“Asthma patients living in red zones should be extra careful and try to be indoors unless it’s absolutely necessary. Wearing masks is mandatory for the patients in this zone if going out or even indoors for severe asthma. Dry air in this zone can also increase the chances of asthma attack. Lung function is at higher risk in this zone,” said senior consultant, respiratory, allergy and sleep disorder at BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Dr Vikash Maurya.

Similarly, it was suggested that “yellow zones” are areas which see heavy vehicular traffic like Dhaula Kuan, Lakshmi Nagar, Ashram Chowk, South Extension, Ring Road and Mathura Road and living here can expose those on the margins to pulmonary diseases. Patients in this zone need to check the air quality index regularly apart from taking their medication regularly.

Green zones are areas in the New Delhi and Lutyens’ areas which have adequate green space leading to better air quality compared to the rest of the city. People residing in these areas should work on their general well- being. Patients in this zone relatively have good lung function, however, pollen in the air may trigger asthma attacks, so they need to be extra careful.