Stay indoors; Residents urged to wear N95 masks as air quality hits new low

Ambalamedu: The medical experts have cautioned residents of Brahmapuram and vicinity over the possible health risks as the air quality of the region falls rapidly. The smoke clouds are rising relentlessly from the waste treatment plant even on the fifth day of the fire outbreak. The air quality has dropped to new lows in Irumpanam, Eroor, Ambalamugal, Hill Palace and Tripunithura regions, leaving many in the locality susceptible to asthma, cough and respiratory issues. 

Minister Veena George requested the residents to put on N95 masks in the areas where the air quality has been affected. Pregnant women, children, elderly persons and people who suffer from lung-related illnesses, have been advised not to step out of their houses. 

Two Oxygen parlours were set up in the suburb along with round-the-clock medical teams and extra facilities at the hospitals in the locality, said the minister. 

Several residents at Pedikkattuthuruth in Irumpanam are suffering from asthma and headache. The number of people flocking to the medical camp organised at CHC Library in Brahmapuram are also increasing. Two residents who sought medical aid at the camp were shifted to the Government Hospital in Vadavucode on Sunday. Many people who attended the holy mass at Mar Gregorios Chapel in Ambalamugal experienced asthma and dizziness during the prayers. 

According to reports released by the Central Pollution Control Board, the toxic elements in the atmosphere of Kochi have been found to be increasing rapidly on Sunday night. The level of PM 2.5 (particulate matter) hit 441 micrograms per cubic metre at 10 pm on Sunday, which is an extremely dangerous condition. It may inflict severe respiratory issues even to a healthy person. The maximum recorded level of PM10 touched 333 micrograms per cubic metre in the city.