People living near mines and lung damage: Do you live in a place where mining related activities take place? If yes, then you should be alert, because your lungs are in danger. Recently, a very shocking thing has come to light in a new data presented in the Lok Sabha. This data states that in India, people whose houses are near mining related areas are exposed to a lot of heavy metals, which can cause severe damage to the lungs. The Health Ministry, citing studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has confirmed that people living in mining areas face the same risks as direct mining workers.
What does the study say?
According to a news published in TOI, this study was conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Health on about 1202 people. All the people involved in this study were living near coal mines. The study found that about 14.3 percent of miners, 10% of supervisor staff and 7.8% of people living in such areas had abnormal lung function.
At the same time, the problem of fibrosis was seen in the lungs of about 2.5 percent of miners, 2.3% of supervisor staff and 2.7% of common people living nearby. Mercury levels were well above the exposure limit (<5.8 Mu/dl). This included 6.8 percent miners and about 8 percent local people living around the coal mines. Pediatric pulmonologist and allergy expert of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in an interview to TOI Dr. Dhiren Gupta According to , exposure to mercury represents a very serious condition. Even among those people who do not even work in coal mines. Harmful coal dust particles and silica emanating from the coal mine remain continuously spread in the air. These also reach homes, schools-colleges, offices etc. through air, which can prove to be extremely harmful for adults as well as children.
What do experts say
In view of this problem, experts are also continuously warning. These results revealed in the study point to a serious environmental mistake. If lung related problems are being seen even among people who do not work in coal mines, then it is a clear indication that no proper steps are being taken to stop the harmful dust particles emanating from these mines.
To prevent exposure to harmful dust particles, silica, mercury etc. emanating from coal mines, it is very important to organize regular health camps, regular screening, mobile units, health checkup camps, so that people can get correct and appropriate advice and information. With this they will be able to protect themselves from these harmful exposures. Besides, it is also necessary to have environmental audit in such areas, so that the disease can be caught early.
What precautions to take to keep lungs healthy?
-If your house is in a coal mining area, then whenever you go out of the house, wear a good quality mask. You can also use N95 mask. Airborne coal dust particles and silica exposure can be prevented to a great extent.
-Do not always keep the windows and doors of your house open. Due to this, harmful outside air will not enter inside. Open only when you feel the need.
– You can also keep a good quality air purifier inside your house, which will clean the air inside the house.
– You should keep some plants inside the house, which purify the environment and air of the house.
