Pollution has been a raging problem in the world today, the effects of which can be far reaching. The biggest casualty is human health. Air pollution has become one of India's greatest concerns today with Indian cities, especially have been routinely making it to the most-polluted lists. Constant exposure to pollution has been contributing to increased morbidity and mortality rates. To make people and industries more aware of its effects, the Indian government observes National Pollution Control Day or Pollution Prevention Day every year on December 2nd. The day also commemorates the victims of the infamous Bhopal Gas Tragedy that took place on the night of December 2nd - 3rd. People who lay asleep in bed breathed in Methyl Isocyanate that leaked from a chemical plant. Thousands died as a result of corporate negligence.

According to the National Health Portal, nine out of 10 people worldwide do not breathe safe air. Air pollution alone kills seven million people every day, and four million die from indoor air pollution. Certain pollutants are so small, it can pass through the protective mucuous membranes, entering into vital organs such as lungs, heart and brain. The worst affected are the children and senior citizens. How To Stay Safe In The Polluted Environment. Health Risks of Running In Polluted Air.

Dr Sudarshan KS, Consultant Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road says: "With the rise in pollution, it has become very important to keep a close check on its ill effects on our health. By following certain steps we can reduce the impact of pollution on our health." Air Pollution Killed Over 1 Lakh Children in India in 2016: World Health Organization.

  • Avoid going out in the peak hours of traffic

  • Prevent indoor pollution by avoiding agarbatti and mosquito coils

  • Use masks outdoors especially in traffic

  • Install air purifiers at home

  • Avoid spending time outdoors in the morning and at night because pollution levels are at their highest

  • DO NOT exercise during these hours as it can worsen the symptoms of respiratory ailments

  • Avoid travelling in open vehicles like rickshaws and bikes

"Pollution can have many adverse effects on the human body. Pollutants damage the human body at cellular levels and can cause allergies. Breathing polluted air can increase the chances of developing respiratory diseases like asthma and even lung cancer," says Dr Sudharshan. If you have senior citizens and children at home, it's your responsibility to keep them protected from the ravaging effects of pollution.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 02, 2018 01:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).