Kolkata’s air quality has taken a turn for the worse, and it’s not just a concern for people with pre-existing conditions. Everyone’s affected, but those with chronic lung and heart conditions or allergies are especially vulnerable. Poor air quality weakens our body’s defenses, making us more susceptible to respiratory problems.
The study found that vehicles contributed 25% of PM2.5 in Kolkata’s air during winter, secondary aerosols contributed 32%, wood combustion 15% and coal burning 9%.
Abhijit Chatterjee, an environmental expert, points to open waste burning and road dust as major contributors to pollution. He suggests targeting open burning areas and watering roads twice daily to reduce dust. Dr. Chandramouli Bhattacharya, an infectious disease specialist at Peerless Hospital, warns that deteriorating air quality will exacerbate conditions like COPD, asthma and heart disease, especially during winter.
