Smoke From Parali Burning Has Lethal Gases: Here's How You Can Protect Yourself

Parali burning—also known as stubble burning—is a practice that involves setting fire to leftover crop material after harvesting grains. Usually done in states of Punjab and Haryana, it is perceived as a magic bullet for farmers looking for a quick way to clear their farms. However, it is prime contributor to air pollution as it releases toxic gasses like carbon monoxide which facilitates air pollution. This can cause serious health issues like skin irritation, respiratory issues and severe diseases like cancer and asthma.

Ill Effects Of Parali On Health

Dr Sandeep Nayar, chest and respiratory diseases expert at BKL-Max Super Specialty Hospital, underscored that parali burning significantly contributes to air pollution, releasing a number of harmful pollutants which includes particulate matter PM2.5, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). He added that prolonged exposure to such kinds of pollutants can cause or worsen a number of respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or COPD.

"Pollution caused by stubble burning causes a severe threat to human health, particularly in regions where extensive stubble burning takes place as well as the neighbouring states where the poisonous polluted air flows into," Dr Nayar said.

Delhi's AQI Dips, Here's How You Can Take Care Of Your Health

Smoke from stubble burning, combined with other pollutants like vehicle smoke, dust etc are extremely dangerous to your respiratory system. You can follow these tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from air pollution.

1. You can naturally cleanse your nasal passage and lungs by taking a steam, practicing control coughing, drinking green tea, consuming anti-inflammatory food items, and by consuming honey. You can also try Yoga to improve your breathing and cleanse your lungs.

2. Continue to check AQI forecasts near your area and keep a note of it to know when to avoid going out. Unless it is absolutely necessary, only then step out.

3. For your skin, cleansing, moisturising, and protecting it with sunscreen. You must include antioxidants in your diet and may consider detoxifying treatments.

4. To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses, use lubricating eye drops, stay indoors and keep the windows closed, practice eye hygiene and invest in an air purifier.

5. If you must step out, choose the afternoon time, as it is when the pollution is at its lowest. Dr Vivek Nangia, a Gurugram-based pulmonologist and a member of DocTube says that pollution levels tend to be slightly lower in the afternoon, however, it is vital to wear well-fitted masks.

6. Choose the correct mask, experts suggest that we go with N99 and N100 masks, which provide higher filtration. They are more efficient than N95 masks. Dr Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director and HOD, Chest & Respiratory Diseases at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital explains that preferably N95 should be considered as normal surgical masks do not prevent you from getting exposed to smaller pollutants including PM2.5 particles which may directly enter your airways and may diffuse into the blood and affect all organs of body.

Experts Shift Focus On COPD Patients

Meanwhile, many have expressed concerns about safeguarding the health of those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Air pollution, besides smoking, is the major cause of this serious health condition that is primarily characterized by difficulty in breathing. A person suffering from COPD experiences frequent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections.