The Union Environment Ministry has informed Parliament that there is currently no definitive data available to prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between elevated air pollution levels and the development of specific lung diseases. This statement was made in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Ministry's Stance on Pollution and Health
In response to a question from BJP member Laxmikant Bajpayee, the ministry clarified its position. While it stated there is "no conclusive data" establishing a "direct correlation" between higher Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and lung diseases, it significantly underscored that air pollution is "one of the triggering factors for respiratory ailments and associated diseases."
The query specifically raised concerns about studies indicating that prolonged exposure to hazardous air in Delhi-NCR is causing irreversible lung damage, including fibrosis and a drastic reduction in lung elasticity compared to people in cleaner cities.
A Consistent Position Over the Years
This latest response aligns with the ministry's past statements on the complex link between health and pollution. For instance, on July 24, it told the Upper House that no conclusive data was available to establish death exclusively due to air pollution.
The ministry elaborated that health outcomes are influenced by a multitude of factors beyond just the environment. These include:
- Individual food and occupational habits
- Socio-economic status and medical history
- Genetic factors like heredity and immunity
A nearly identical answer was provided by the ministry on July 25 last year, highlighting a consistent official viewpoint on the matter.
Training Initiatives and Public Health Measures
Addressing the part of the question about solutions for Delhi-NCR residents facing threats from diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and COPD, the ministry pointed to proactive training measures.
It stated that dedicated training modules on air pollution and its health impacts have been developed for a wide range of stakeholders. The targeted groups include:
- Healthcare professionals like medical officers and nurses
- Programme managers and nodal officers
- Frontline workers such as ASHA professionals
- Vulnerable populations including women and children
- Occupationally exposed groups like traffic police and municipal workers
This initiative aims to build capacity and awareness at multiple levels of the public health system to better manage and mitigate the risks associated with poor air quality.
