INDEPTH: HEALTH HAZARDS OF DUST

THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF DUST ON RISE

Dust has become a rising concerning problem in the city but the health effects of dust on children, young adults and old aged is a very concerning problem that cannot be overlooked. The duration and the exposure to dust have increased allergies and skin problems in the residents of Aurangabad.

Jhanvi kulkarni, a recent allergic to dust says “I cannot avoid dust and pollution in the city since I need to go to college and sites regularly. But the dust allergy and itching which I’m facing from the past few months is making it tough for me to concentrate on my duties.” People who already had lungs and breathing problems are facing and increased problem due to inhalation of dust from roads, off construction sites etc. and people who didn’t face any such problem earlier are coming in with problems of itching or rashes on skin, says Dr. N. Khan. 

The diseased on rise due to dust are irritation of the eyes, coughing, sneezing, hay fever and Asthma attacks. People have reported to face severe symptoms of COPD due to the rising dust in the atmosphere of the city. For people who have Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease or emphysema, even small increases in dust concentration can make their symptoms work. 

To try and maintain dust free roads, the Aurangabad Development Forum (ADF) had adopted a 2.5 km stretch of road between Varad Ganesh Mandir and Laxman Chawadi. The thought was that keeping roads clean was not only the responsibility of civic body but also of the residents.

The Central Pollution Control Board had listed Aurangabad as the 17^th most polluted cities of Maharashtra.  The high levels of particulate matter recorded, the exhaust fumes of cars, two wheelers and rickshaws, the construction work and unkempt roads are all contributing to the worsening of air quality and amplifying health hazards due to dust.