Thank (rain) God for fresh, clean air

Thank (rain) God for fresh, clean air
Times of India

Bangaloreans can now breathe easy. Rain has done something good: it has brought down the pollution levels.

Excess rainfall this year has brought down Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) and other air pollutants by almost half of what was seen during summer months. So, good rain means clean air and a season of good health for Garden City. According to the State Pollution Control Board, excess South-West rain of 172.3 mm in the last six years, has worked wonders as hazardous chemicals, dust particles, lead and other pollutants have been washed away from the air. “The dust has settled and the air is cleared. It’s phenomenal this time,’’ says Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) membersecretary Rashmi.

Though the goodness of clean air has not shown a perceptible change for those suffering from chronic respiratory infections and disorders, clean air, though a temporary phenomenon, has reflected on some corrective measures in their long term cure. For others, it has been raining relief without outdoor eye irritation and choking pollution. Like a businessman visiting the city after a gap of seven months said: “Last time round, I hated the city for the pollution. This time it has been bliss, true to its Garden City tag.’’

On the flip side, healthcare professionals and environmentalists say dilution is not a solution for air pollution.” SPM, RSPM and other pollutants may have come down but it may increase water and soil pollution,’’ says director of National Referral Centre for Lead Absorption in India, Dr Thuppil Venkatesh. “A season of clean air does not significantly affect respiratory infections and disorders as there are multiple factors triggering such infections,’’ chairman of Lakeside Environment Education Forum, Dr H, Paramesh, concurs.

Despite the clean season, the disturbing trend is that the approaching Diwali month can aggravate asthmatic attacks due to increase in SPM and RSPM levels. “A good shower is not the answer then, but some awareness and prevention would do a lot of good for the city,’’ Rashmi says.