Save your lungs today, Kandy!

Tuesday, 5 June 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Breathlessness, coughs and severe respiratory diseases like Asthma, COPD and Allergic Rhinitis are on the rise in Kandy.

To create awareness of this situation, the Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists, in partnership with Cipla, will kick-off #saveyourlungskandy movement, commencing on 5 June, World Environment Day, to educate the citizens of Kandy about the harmful effects of air pollutants on public health.

Included in the #saveyourlungskandy movement is a first-of-its-kind helpline. People from Kandy, and its adjoining regions, can call that number and talk to experts about their respiratory problems. Additionally, free lung health checks will be available on 5 June at Bogambara Grounds.

It is noteworthy that, according to recent publications, since the average traffic movement in Kandy is very slow, there is a level of particulate matter (PM10) of 89 micrograms per cubic metre in some parts of Kandy. This is highly alarming.

However, there is a very low awareness among the population about the effects of air pollution and acute-chronic consequences of these effects on their respiratory system. Many still tend to ignore the symptoms and may be clueless about the problems.

The #saveyourlungskandy movement is an attempt to address this lack of awareness about harmful respiratory problems resulting from pollution. And it’s slowly poisoning the health of Kandy’s citizens. The success of #saveyourlungskandy will lie in making people understand the preventive measures and trigger factors of pollution related lung disease, and urging them to get it addressed at the nearest health clinic.