PMA issues alert on rising pollution

Says animal waste and sewage water have been breeding flies, insects and other organisms

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed serious concern over the alarming levels of pollution in major cities across the country, including Karachi.

In a health alert, PMA maintained that undisposed heaps of garbage, animal waste and sewage water have been breeding flies, insects and other organisms. This is leading to an increase in air, water and food-borne diseases.

“Excessive pollution has led to flies in all public spaces and markets while vegetables, fruits and food items are at greater risk of carrying organisms and germs left by swarms of flies,” the alert stated.

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According to research, a single fly carries as many as 100 germs at a time and may cause intestinal diseases such as dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, edema, and eye diseases such as inflammation and conjunctivitis, PMA said. It urged the public and shopkeepers to cover all edible items and drinks while also frequently washing hands thoroughly with soap. The association stressed that the people should avoid eating out, keep their environment as clean as possible and dispose waste at a proper place.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2021.