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This blog is created to raise awareness about the importance and value of libraries among the people of our country, special importance is given to exhibit contribution of health science librarians in health and social care within institutions and in nation building.
The health science librarians provide information resources to support health care. They encourage widespread use of health information among doctors, medical students, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, social workers and researchers.
The technological advancement has enabled libraries to move beyond the four walls of a building, as a result, we, the librarians strive to meet the health information needs of a larger community and try to amend health information delivery at every region, so that people live better, healthier, happier and more productive lives.

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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Air pollution back as big health threat in Delhi
NEW DELHI: Ten years after the city's public transport switched to CNG, air pollution has again become a major threat to public health in Delhi, say environmentalists. With 69 lakh vehicles plying on city roads, a growth of about 60 lakh in 20 years, experts say oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) are now at critically high levels.

NOx and PM are known to cause cancer and asthma. Medical experts say signs of deteriorating health are already manifest. The Delhi cancer registry maintained by AIIMS shows a 2-3% rise in lung cancer cases every year.

Dr Vinod Raina, a cancer specialist at AIIMS says till some years ago, 14-15 lung cancer cases were reported for every 1 lakh cancer patients. "Of late, we have been getting about 13,000 new cases of cancer each year, of which 10% come in with lung cancer. And, 30% of lung cancer patients have nothing to do with smoking," he said.

The Centre for Science and Environment says vehicular pollution has returned as a big threat in Delhi. "About 55% of Delhiites stay within a 500m distance from main roads where vehicular pollution is at an all-time high. After public transport was converted to CNG, pollution has become invisible but is still on the rise," said Anumita Roychowdhury, associate director, CSE.

"In the 1990s, when the issue of air pollution was first raised, only particulate matter was being monitored. Now there is also a red alert on NOx and PM. AIIMS has been tracking hospital admissions and has found that they have been rising in winter months when pollution levels rise,"

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