The Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases, University Clinical Center Tuzla held a press briefing on the occasion of alarming levels of air pollution in Tuzla and the Tuzla Canton. In speaking to the members of press Ass. Prof. Suvad Dedić, head of the Clinic for Pulmonary diseases, Prim. Dr. Nada Remetić, specialist in pneumophtisiology and Dr. Amra Šakušić, specialist in pneumophtisiology said that outdoor air pollution has long- term respiratory- related health effects especially to patients who suffer from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cardio cerebrovascular diseases.
It is also said that air pollution is worldwide considered to be the biggest cause of an increase in asthma, COPD, lung cancer, inflammation of the upper and lower airways, allergies incidence and mortality rate.
Ass. Prof. Suvad Dedić told reporters that children under 5 years of age, people over 60 years of age patients wit COPD and heart diseases are particularly vulnerable population and at the highest risk of outdoor and indoor air pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid staying in air- polluted environments during days with high concentrations of harmful particles and gasses, to reduce outdoor activity levels and to wear a dust musk if necessary.
Advice for the public is to make airing and good ventilation of living and working areas, but also taking sufficient amount of fluids, vitamins and mineral. Regular monitoring of chronic patients is also highly recommended.
“If you notice the symptoms, contact your family doctor or specialist in pneumophtisiology, cardiologist, pediatrician or neurologist.” said Ass. Prof. Suvad Dedić.