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Author : Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, President, HCFI and CMAAO expressed his concern over the Vizag gas leak and offered tips to contain the side effects of the gas
India
healthysoch
New Delhi, May 07, 2020 :
The Coronavirus toll in India has crossed the 50,000 mark and a new tragedy seems to have added fuel to the fire. About 10 people, including 2 senior citizens and an 8-year-old girl are feared dead after styrene gas leak from a chemical plant in Vizag. At least 5,000 have also fallen sick in this tragedy. Many people were seen lying unconscious on roads and others faced breathing difficulties – some people have also complained of rashes on their body and sore eyes.
According to studies, acute (short-term) exposure to Styrene in humans results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects. Chronic (long-term) exposure can lead to serious multiple complications.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Confederation of Medical Associations of Asia and Oceania (CMAAO), said, “Amidst the existing Coronavirus crisis that is affecting all countries including India, the recent gas leak tragedy is indeed disturbing. However, it is important to avoid spreading misinformation, not panic, and ensure that steps are taken to stay away from the harmful effects of the gas. It is advisable to smear a piece of cloth with one’s own urine and tie it around the face. This can help in containing the side effects of inhaling the gas for some time.”
Adding further, Dr Anil Kumar, Ex-Director Environment Dept. Govt. of Delhi, Director Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) said, “If you are in the immediate vicinity, it is better to go to a room at the farthest end of your house and close all doors and windows. This will prevent the gas vapors from getting inside and containing the situation temporarily.”
The health specialists were speaking on the side lines of an online interaction with over 1400 educators including principals and teachers from Mount Abu Public School, Sec 5 Rohini, S D Public School, Pitampura, Red Roses School, Remal Public Sr. Sec. School, Modern Public School, Shalimaar Bagh, Universal Public School, Mahavir Enclave Palam, Evergreen Public School, Vasundhara Enclave, Mata Gujri Public School, Greater Kailash, Abhinav Public School, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Balvant Ray Mehta Vidya Bhawan, Greater Kailash II, DAV Public School, Pushpanjali Enclave, DAV Public School, Rohini, CT Public School, Jalandhar, Genius Brain Kids, North Delhi Public School Shalimaar Bagh etc. The online discussion focused on the new normal life post Covid-19 and the steps that educational institutions must take to prevent infection going forward.
The online discussion will henceforth be a regular feature every Thursday. It will offer a platform for educators to engage with health experts on how they can integrate preventive measures in their institutions in the post-pandemic scenario.
