Air pollution: Delhi govt issues health advisory

New Delhi: State Health Minister Satyendar Jain issued a statement following the Delhi Chief Minister's direction on air pollution. The air pollution has reached severe level in Delhi.

The statement issued by the Health Minister read as, "The air pollution harms and may cause respiratory illness in healthy people on prolonged exposure and even pronounced respiratory or other serious illnesses in vulnerable population even on short exposure. Therefore, the general public is advised to avoid outdoor physical activities, especially during morning and late evening hours. Such persons having occupations of prolonged exposure such as traffic policemen, traffic volunteer, rickshaw pullers, auto rickshaw drivers, roadside vendors etc should take extra precautions."

"The public is advised to follow certain rules like, remain indoors, or reschedule outdoors activities, consult the nearest doctor in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain, irritation in eyes (red or watery). Persons with airway, lung or heart illnesses should keep their medication readily available, and if using masks, only to use certified N95 masks and follow user instructions. Simple paper and cloth masks are not effective," the health advisory noted.

The statement also said, "use clean smokeless fuels gas or electricity for cooking and heating purpose, and use public transportation. Don't burn leaves, wood, agriculture products, garbage and avoid places with heavy traffic and areas near polluting places, construction sites. Don't smoke cigarettes, bidies and related tobacco products and avoid driving cars, scooters, and other motorised vehicles."