Hakim set to inaugurate 28th Annual Conference of Indian Society of Otology

Kolkata: Mayor Firhad Hakim is all set to inaugurate the 28th Annual Conference of Indian Society of Otology at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre on November 15. Women and Child Development and Social Welfare minister Shashi Panja will also be present on the occasion.

During the three-day conference, medical practitioners and healthcare professionals across the globe will come together and voice their opinion on the solution to curb increasing noise and air pollution.

"Recent evidence-based case study on burning of crackers during Diwali in Kolkata has revealed that it has increased noise as well as air pollution. A remarkable number of persons are suffering from the diseases of ear. Focusing on the increasing noise and air pollution, the 28th Annual Conference of Indian Society of Otology, also known as ISOCON 2019, will be held in the city," said Dr Dwaipayan Mukherjee, organising secretary of the conference.

He reiterated that average noise across the globe is increasing as well, with one of the major reasons being honking of vehicle horns. In developed countries, honking is strictly prohibited as it causes noise pollution.

"We have a mindset that burning crackers during Diwali causes noise pollution. However, DJ music and honking throughout the year are also increasing noise pollution. Burning of crackers cannot affect ear directly. It will lead to air pollution and then result in allergic rhinitis (a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air)," Mukherjee pointed out.

According to West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), the air quality in Kolkata turned 'very poor' on Wednesday night, with the pollution levels in the city breaching the 300 mark for the first time in recent months.

"The pollutant-laden air makes breathing difficult for those with respiratory ailments," said senior consultant Dr A M Saha.