With deteriorating the air quality index and surge in viral cases, including swine flu, in Mumbai and the MMR region, health experts have cautioned the members of public to refrain from bursting firecrackers and making bonfires, in the coming days, as it would lead to surge in respiratory ailments including viral infections. A study in Journal of Cardiovascular Research concluded that long term exposure to air pollution affects the heart, lung and blood vessels, which can cause serious morbidities and mortality. Health experts have advised the public to wear masks, while venturing out, as drop in temperature in winter will further aggravate the situation.

Serious health impact

Dr Wiqar Shaikh, professor of medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir J J Group of Hospitals said he is extremely alarmed at the smog in Mumbai in recent days and the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city surpassing 200. Dr Shaikh said that air pollution has been shown to have a serious impact on the general population with a surge in respiratory ailments including viral infections. Dr Shaikh quoted a study conducted by the Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit of the UK in 2022.