MULTAN, 22 April (TNS): Wheat grain dust, triggered by threashing activities especially in rural areas of south Punjab, is aggravating respiratory diseases including asthma and bronchitis by affecting the immune system of human body.
The Pulmonologists say that the presence of hovering dust particles and allergens, due to wheat thresher, could enhance the risk of attack on 40 percent.
Nearly 15 percent kids and eight percent adults were already suffering from asthma in the country, they added.
Due to genetic and environmental pollution issues, nearly 3 lakh persons are falling prey to respiratory diseases annually in the country.
About 70,000 citizens die of respiratory diseases in the country every year, stated Dr Azam Mushtaq head of Pulmonary Department Nishtar Medical University. Responding to a query about measures to minimise the effects of wheat grain dust, the expert suggested that people should ensure maximum use of the mask during outdoor movement, especially in wheat thresher season.
Similarly, people should frequently wash mouth and nose on daily basis.
