A recent survey conducted in Chennai revealed that there has been a rise in cases of respiratory diseases and pulmonary disorders. This is mainly due to increase in air pollution because of vehicular pollution, industrial waste, burning of garbage and construction debris.

Doctors have pointed out that air pollution is a triggering factor for asthma mainly in months of December and January. During these months hospitals record an increase in the number of cases of asthma.


According to doctors, death due to respiratory disease is the fourth leading cause of death in Chennai. Respiratory diseases can affect all age groups and class of people. Even pediatricians have claimed that 1 in 8 children are prone to asthma. President of Indian Academy for Paediatrics, Dr S Balasubramanian said, "Heredity is a factor, but increased pollution in the city is a major trigger."