The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kochi president Dr. Sreenivasa Kamath, reported a 15 to 20 percent increase in outpatient (OP) cases due to pollution from the fire at Brahmapuram waste management plant. People who are asthmatic or have pulmonary diseases are the most affected.

 Dr. Vinod Franklin, consultant clinical microbiologist and quality manager, Ernakulam Medical Centre Hospital, said that long-term exposure is linked to impairment of the immune system, endocrine the system, nervous system, and reproductive system.

Further, Dioxins have been linked to various tumors in animals when exposed to them over time. Cancer research organizations at the WHO reviewed this in 1997 and 2012.

According to IMA Kochi, which said this in a formal statement on Friday, the smoke from the fire is likely to cause health issues for residents. The release stated that although it is impossible to foresee long-term health issues at this time, the future will be safer the more we can limit the quantity and duration of smoke exposure.

Smoke contains a variety of chemicals and gases, including carbon, which have an impact on the environment.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, the scientific adviser to the IMA, stated that as these progressively enter water sources and agricultural lands, there is a chance that the pollutants will enter people′s food and drinking water. As such, the situation needs to be thoroughly addressed.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/waste-plant-fire-15-20-per-cent-rise-seen-in-outpatient-cases-in-kochi/98557762)