Conjunctivitis, respiratory illnesses and rashes: La Paz air quality exceeds permitted limits

September 27, 2023September 27, 2023

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La Paz, September 27, 2023 (ATB Digital). – La Paz reported that air quality exceeded permitted pollution limits between Monday and Tuesday, putting people’s health at risk. City Health and Sports Secretary Fátima María Verduguez said smoke could cause at least three illnesses, including conjunctivitis, respiratory illnesses, rashes, allergic reactions and more.

“[Poor air quality]can cause irritation, respiratory problems (…) conjunctivitis, skin rashes and allergic reactions,” Verduguez told Urgente.bo.

When air quality is poor, they pose a potential threat to the eyes as they can cause irritation. Experts say it is recommended to avoid exposure to contaminated environments for several hours. “Conjunctivitis occurs when the tissue called the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. This, in turn, causes redness and tearing.”

The city government recommends that vulnerable groups, children and adults wear masks as this group has lower immunity and may be greatly affected. “This (air pollution) may affect people with heart and lung problems, which is why we preventively recommend that minors, as well as the elderly, wear masks.”

Other diseases caused by air pollution include pneumonia: The World Health Organization assures that pollutants in ambient air and their inhalation double the risk of pneumonia, especially in childhood. Acute respiratory infection. However, this fact does not prevent adults from being susceptible to the disease, which can become severe and even lead to death if the condition becomes complicated.

Verduguez also asked the general public not to go out and exercise on public roads due to poor air quality. Additionally, he recommends visiting a health center immediately if you feel any discomfort.

The smoke seen in the city of La Paz is caused by Chaqueao, north of La Paz. The maximum normal air quality is 50 micrograms/cubic meter, and exceeding 100 micrograms/cubic meter is harmful to health. More than 150 cases were reported in the city.

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