Air pollution triggered heart diseases visible in Sri Lanka : Expert

16 June 2023 07:18 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 15 Bookmark

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Air pollution has increased the risk of heart disease in Sri Lanka like elsewhere in the world, a top cardiologist said.

Addressing a news briefing yesterday, Dr. Anidu Pathirana, Consultant Cardiologist at the National Hospital of Colombo said, “Air pollution has long been considered a significant environmental concern, but its impact on human health is now coming to the forefront with new research.”

“As such, air pollution has been identified as a major risk factor of developing heart disease,” he highlighted.

“When you breathe in poor quality air, the air pollutants can travel deep into your bloodstream through your lungs, and to your heart. This can increase your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases,” he underscored.

Dr. Pathirana said since air pollution in Sri Lanka is on the rise, it is vital to adopt safety measures to keep diseases associated with air pollution at bay, adding, heart patients should avoid exposure to air pollution.

In addition, he said “Air Pollution does not only affect patients suffering from heart disease but also other non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, cancer diseases and chronic lung illnesses.”

Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. According to WHO data, almost the entire global population (99%) is exposed to air pollution levels that are higher than recommended levels.

Thus, it is essential to expand use of clean fuels and technologies to reduce household air pollution and protect health. These include solar, electricity, bio-gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, alcohol fuels. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Comments - 15

Lanka Friday, 16 June 2023 07:48 PM

Too many vehicles, less vegetation and higher pollution. People collectively need to take care of the environment and the environment will take care of you.

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Grace Friday, 16 June 2023 08:23 PM

Many people burn their garbage in the open areas. Even Local Council workers set fire to garbage heaps. Firecrackers are lit without limit. Tough laws are needed to curb these practices like in the Middle East countries.

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Chris Friday, 16 June 2023 10:46 PM

I live on Park Road and we have neighbours who craftily burn their garbage in drums.It keeps burning through the night and sending out smoke but not visible to the environment police outside. There can be laws but no implementation.

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jackie Sunday, 18 June 2023 06:25 PM

FYI, I had this issue too and when I checked with police no one can burn trash even in their own garden and a complaint to police will help to stop this

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Nimpere Saturday, 17 June 2023 07:15 AM

Develop efficient, comfortable , public transport system to reduce vehicle emission which has a great influence to the health.

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‘ The Lansi Burgher Gent ‘ Saturday, 17 June 2023 08:58 AM

Response to Lanka and Grace. Well said and succinctly written. Overpopulation is the curse of this country and at this rate we will be void of forests, nature reserves, out of natural resources, land, food and water in years to come. Absolutely scant regard for the environment and hideous city and town planning combined with the chocking traffic menace too. Just a matter of time before this place turns into an arid wasteland. Our beautiful beaches and coastlines, our tea plantations, the hill country on the whole and everywhere else has turned into a “Godey” eyesore. What tourists come to see is beyond me. 23 Million people and bursting at the seams. Will end up like Bangladesh or some of the West African countries in times to come.

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jaya Saturday, 17 June 2023 01:10 PM

Overpopulation? Just give few years and see what is happening right now. You will be surprised there wont be young people to take care of you in the country.

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Rob Saturday, 17 June 2023 09:11 AM

Sri lanka was a paradise 3 to 4 decades ago majority people used common sense to keep environment clean now its gone other way around majority this days gare polluters no common sense at all.....huge problem for the country

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Adwani Saturday, 17 June 2023 09:51 AM

Also it should be prohibited to allow crematorium to burn the dead bodies which is a hidden enemy. Previous unqualified regime was hell bent on this, burning dead bodies. Other countries have totally prohibited burning of dead bodies.

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KD Saturday, 17 June 2023 09:59 AM

We have to stop burning trash and leaves in this country. Its madness.

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pattali Saturday, 17 June 2023 09:59 AM

yes its polluted air causing heart attack, Not The covid Vaccines.

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Lakmal Saturday, 17 June 2023 05:36 PM

That is most of the countries are banning petrol and diesel cars in key cities. We should start shifting to electric vehicles.

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Fernando Saturday, 17 June 2023 11:14 PM

Get rid of Three wheelers. They're the number one polluter on the road. The time waster too. All commuters get delayed because they never follow rules on the road.

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foreigner Sunday, 18 June 2023 08:16 AM

In Sri Lanka, as soon as the sun goes down, waste that is harmful to human health or the environment is burned here and there competitively. When vinyl or rubber products are burned, toxic substances are generated. However, many people are not aware of it, and the government must actively step in to protect the health of the people and the environment.

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Concerned Sunday, 18 June 2023 10:01 AM

The scientific knowledge and feedback seem to be full of laughs here. Ask yourself, all these suggestions you provide stuck in your comfort chair, how much research actually went into your response. How much responsibility have U actually taken towards your own garbage disposal system and recycling. Ask U'rself why U have to buy everything in a plastic container. Why are the governing person's responsible provide easy approval to all consumers who manufacturer food and household items so many types of different smaller and smaller plastic packages to market their products. Do U think the people on top is not been taught in school before they got their jobs how much of an impact it creates on the environment?.... They just don't care. Education stopped for many as a contributing tool for society and future generations decades ago. It's become a business tool of 'to do list' or just a barrier you have to cross to show. It no longer carries accountability and social responsibility.

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