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March 1 Deadline for Women’s Leadership Training Grant
Apply by March 1 for the 2017 Women's Leadership Training Grant, designed to develop strong women leaders in vascular surgery. Three awards of $5,000 each are geared to levels of experience: 0-five years out of training; six to 10 years out and more than 10 years out of training.
Apply by March 1 for the 2017 Women's Leadership Training Grant, designed to develop strong women leaders in vascular surgery. Three awards of $5,000 each are geared to levels of experience: 0-five years out of training; six to 10 years out and more than 10 years out of training.
Apply by March 1 for the 2017 Women's Leadership Training Grant, designed to develop strong women leaders in vascular surgery. Three awards of $5,000 each are geared to levels of experience: 0-five years out of training; six to 10 years out and more than 10 years out of training.
March 1 Membership Application Deadline Nearly Here
March 1 is just eight days away – and that’s the deadline for applying to become a member of SVS. Applications will be considered during the Vascular Annual Meeting (May 31 to June 3) in San Diego.
One longtime member of more than 10 years would tell potential applicants that joining SVS is “instrumental for their careers and the future of vascular surgery. SVS is an important organization that supports all vascular surgeons, private and academic." Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.
March 1 is just eight days away – and that’s the deadline for applying to become a member of SVS. Applications will be considered during the Vascular Annual Meeting (May 31 to June 3) in San Diego.
One longtime member of more than 10 years would tell potential applicants that joining SVS is “instrumental for their careers and the future of vascular surgery. SVS is an important organization that supports all vascular surgeons, private and academic." Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.
March 1 is just eight days away – and that’s the deadline for applying to become a member of SVS. Applications will be considered during the Vascular Annual Meeting (May 31 to June 3) in San Diego.
One longtime member of more than 10 years would tell potential applicants that joining SVS is “instrumental for their careers and the future of vascular surgery. SVS is an important organization that supports all vascular surgeons, private and academic." Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Each year, AGA participates in a series of activities in support of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – and 2017 is no exception. March provides us with an important platform to help remind patients of the necessity of getting screened. Here are a few easy ways to join us in raising awareness:
- In-person: Take time this month to talk to your patients about their personal history and encourage timely screening. Visit www.gastro.org/CRC for materials you can provide to your patients to help them understand risk factors and screening options.
- On your practice website: When patients visit your website, make sure there is a prominent CRC screening reminder. You can link to AGA’s patient materials or use our awareness videos (also available via the above link) to help spread the word.
- On Facebook: AGA will be running a campaign throughout March to remind patients over 50 to get screened. Make sure to like us (facebook.com/AmerGastroAssn) to see our CRC posts, which you can share with your family and friends. If your practice has a Facebook page, the page can share all of our CRC awareness materials, as well.
- On Twitter: Tweeting is a great way to raise awareness among the public. Follow @AmerGastroAssn (twitter.com/AmerGastroAssn) for information on Twitter chats you can take part in to help raise awareness.
With your support, we can improve the public’s understanding of this deadly cancer and continue to increase screening rates. Stay tuned to AGA eDigest and AGA’s website (gastro.org) for timely CRC Awareness Month updates, and join CRC-related discussions with other AGA members on the AGA Community (community.gastro.org).
Each year, AGA participates in a series of activities in support of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – and 2017 is no exception. March provides us with an important platform to help remind patients of the necessity of getting screened. Here are a few easy ways to join us in raising awareness:
- In-person: Take time this month to talk to your patients about their personal history and encourage timely screening. Visit www.gastro.org/CRC for materials you can provide to your patients to help them understand risk factors and screening options.
- On your practice website: When patients visit your website, make sure there is a prominent CRC screening reminder. You can link to AGA’s patient materials or use our awareness videos (also available via the above link) to help spread the word.
- On Facebook: AGA will be running a campaign throughout March to remind patients over 50 to get screened. Make sure to like us (facebook.com/AmerGastroAssn) to see our CRC posts, which you can share with your family and friends. If your practice has a Facebook page, the page can share all of our CRC awareness materials, as well.
- On Twitter: Tweeting is a great way to raise awareness among the public. Follow @AmerGastroAssn (twitter.com/AmerGastroAssn) for information on Twitter chats you can take part in to help raise awareness.
With your support, we can improve the public’s understanding of this deadly cancer and continue to increase screening rates. Stay tuned to AGA eDigest and AGA’s website (gastro.org) for timely CRC Awareness Month updates, and join CRC-related discussions with other AGA members on the AGA Community (community.gastro.org).
Each year, AGA participates in a series of activities in support of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – and 2017 is no exception. March provides us with an important platform to help remind patients of the necessity of getting screened. Here are a few easy ways to join us in raising awareness:
- In-person: Take time this month to talk to your patients about their personal history and encourage timely screening. Visit www.gastro.org/CRC for materials you can provide to your patients to help them understand risk factors and screening options.
- On your practice website: When patients visit your website, make sure there is a prominent CRC screening reminder. You can link to AGA’s patient materials or use our awareness videos (also available via the above link) to help spread the word.
- On Facebook: AGA will be running a campaign throughout March to remind patients over 50 to get screened. Make sure to like us (facebook.com/AmerGastroAssn) to see our CRC posts, which you can share with your family and friends. If your practice has a Facebook page, the page can share all of our CRC awareness materials, as well.
- On Twitter: Tweeting is a great way to raise awareness among the public. Follow @AmerGastroAssn (twitter.com/AmerGastroAssn) for information on Twitter chats you can take part in to help raise awareness.
With your support, we can improve the public’s understanding of this deadly cancer and continue to increase screening rates. Stay tuned to AGA eDigest and AGA’s website (gastro.org) for timely CRC Awareness Month updates, and join CRC-related discussions with other AGA members on the AGA Community (community.gastro.org).
Legacy Society members sustain research
Research has brought so much to our specialty and advanced the science and practice of gastroenterology. Research is made possible through funding. AGA Legacy Society members are showing their gratitude for what funding and research has brought to our specialty by giving back.
Legacy Society members are the most generous individual donors to the AGA Research Foundation. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $5,000 or more per year for 5 years ($25,000 total) or $50,000 or more in a planned gift, such as a bequest. All Legacy Society contributions go directly to support research awards.
“I was at a crossroads in my career when I received funding from the AGA,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, AGA Past President. “Having been personally a recipient of awards from the AGA Research Foundation, I believe it is now important to give back. This is one of the ways I will impact not only the careers of young colleagues but ultimately patient care, as well.”
The AGA Research Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support young researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. More than 870 researchers have benefited from our support since 1984 – with more than 90% of AGA Research Scholar Award recipients in the past 10 years continuing on to exceptional research careers. These research grants are funded through the generosity of donors.
“To understand the fundamental mechanism of disease process, particularly chronic diseases is always a challenge, but it is critical to be able to interfere with the disease process, halt progression and hopefully achieve a cure,” remarked Kiron M. Das, MD, PhD, AGAF. “Research has to be continued, and we have to train young investigators. On behalf of my wife and myself, we want to thank the AGA Research Foundation for its commitment to promote discovery. It is critical that we support and give to the AGA Research Foundation.”
A celebration of research support
Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the AGA Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The University Club of Chicago will be the location of the 2017 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors Dinner during DDW in Chicago. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in the historic setting established in 1887 to foster an appreciation for literature and the arts. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.
Research has brought so much to our specialty and advanced the science and practice of gastroenterology. Research is made possible through funding. AGA Legacy Society members are showing their gratitude for what funding and research has brought to our specialty by giving back.
Legacy Society members are the most generous individual donors to the AGA Research Foundation. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $5,000 or more per year for 5 years ($25,000 total) or $50,000 or more in a planned gift, such as a bequest. All Legacy Society contributions go directly to support research awards.
“I was at a crossroads in my career when I received funding from the AGA,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, AGA Past President. “Having been personally a recipient of awards from the AGA Research Foundation, I believe it is now important to give back. This is one of the ways I will impact not only the careers of young colleagues but ultimately patient care, as well.”
The AGA Research Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support young researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. More than 870 researchers have benefited from our support since 1984 – with more than 90% of AGA Research Scholar Award recipients in the past 10 years continuing on to exceptional research careers. These research grants are funded through the generosity of donors.
“To understand the fundamental mechanism of disease process, particularly chronic diseases is always a challenge, but it is critical to be able to interfere with the disease process, halt progression and hopefully achieve a cure,” remarked Kiron M. Das, MD, PhD, AGAF. “Research has to be continued, and we have to train young investigators. On behalf of my wife and myself, we want to thank the AGA Research Foundation for its commitment to promote discovery. It is critical that we support and give to the AGA Research Foundation.”
A celebration of research support
Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the AGA Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The University Club of Chicago will be the location of the 2017 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors Dinner during DDW in Chicago. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in the historic setting established in 1887 to foster an appreciation for literature and the arts. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.
Research has brought so much to our specialty and advanced the science and practice of gastroenterology. Research is made possible through funding. AGA Legacy Society members are showing their gratitude for what funding and research has brought to our specialty by giving back.
Legacy Society members are the most generous individual donors to the AGA Research Foundation. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $5,000 or more per year for 5 years ($25,000 total) or $50,000 or more in a planned gift, such as a bequest. All Legacy Society contributions go directly to support research awards.
“I was at a crossroads in my career when I received funding from the AGA,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, AGA Past President. “Having been personally a recipient of awards from the AGA Research Foundation, I believe it is now important to give back. This is one of the ways I will impact not only the careers of young colleagues but ultimately patient care, as well.”
The AGA Research Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support young researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. More than 870 researchers have benefited from our support since 1984 – with more than 90% of AGA Research Scholar Award recipients in the past 10 years continuing on to exceptional research careers. These research grants are funded through the generosity of donors.
“To understand the fundamental mechanism of disease process, particularly chronic diseases is always a challenge, but it is critical to be able to interfere with the disease process, halt progression and hopefully achieve a cure,” remarked Kiron M. Das, MD, PhD, AGAF. “Research has to be continued, and we have to train young investigators. On behalf of my wife and myself, we want to thank the AGA Research Foundation for its commitment to promote discovery. It is critical that we support and give to the AGA Research Foundation.”
A celebration of research support
Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the AGA Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The University Club of Chicago will be the location of the 2017 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors Dinner during DDW in Chicago. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in the historic setting established in 1887 to foster an appreciation for literature and the arts. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.
MACRA is not going away: Will you be ready?
Despite potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act under the new administration, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and commitment to cost-effective, value-based care is here to stay.
Congress overwhelmingly passed MACRA legislation with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress to overhaul the way physicians are reimbursed under Medicare. MACRA will eventually transition physicians toward more value-based payments. Ignore MACRA in 2017, and you will face an automatic reduction of 4% to your payments under Medicare in 2019.
You should take advantage of 2017 being a transition year during which time you can pick your pace for participation to help you increase your earning potential. If you are already reporting to the 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), you will be familiar with some of the 2017 participation options that could qualify you for a reimbursement incentive in 2019 under MACRA.
If you have not participated in PQRS in 2016 or previous years, you need to start gathering information for your practice to begin reporting through one of the new MACRA 2017 reporting options by Oct. 2, 2017. Quality accounts for the highest percentage of your score and will help you maximize your potential for a positive adjustment.
AGA can help – check out our MACRA resources at gastro.org/MACRA and on the AGA Community.
Despite potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act under the new administration, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and commitment to cost-effective, value-based care is here to stay.
Congress overwhelmingly passed MACRA legislation with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress to overhaul the way physicians are reimbursed under Medicare. MACRA will eventually transition physicians toward more value-based payments. Ignore MACRA in 2017, and you will face an automatic reduction of 4% to your payments under Medicare in 2019.
You should take advantage of 2017 being a transition year during which time you can pick your pace for participation to help you increase your earning potential. If you are already reporting to the 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), you will be familiar with some of the 2017 participation options that could qualify you for a reimbursement incentive in 2019 under MACRA.
If you have not participated in PQRS in 2016 or previous years, you need to start gathering information for your practice to begin reporting through one of the new MACRA 2017 reporting options by Oct. 2, 2017. Quality accounts for the highest percentage of your score and will help you maximize your potential for a positive adjustment.
AGA can help – check out our MACRA resources at gastro.org/MACRA and on the AGA Community.
Despite potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act under the new administration, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and commitment to cost-effective, value-based care is here to stay.
Congress overwhelmingly passed MACRA legislation with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress to overhaul the way physicians are reimbursed under Medicare. MACRA will eventually transition physicians toward more value-based payments. Ignore MACRA in 2017, and you will face an automatic reduction of 4% to your payments under Medicare in 2019.
You should take advantage of 2017 being a transition year during which time you can pick your pace for participation to help you increase your earning potential. If you are already reporting to the 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), you will be familiar with some of the 2017 participation options that could qualify you for a reimbursement incentive in 2019 under MACRA.
If you have not participated in PQRS in 2016 or previous years, you need to start gathering information for your practice to begin reporting through one of the new MACRA 2017 reporting options by Oct. 2, 2017. Quality accounts for the highest percentage of your score and will help you maximize your potential for a positive adjustment.
AGA can help – check out our MACRA resources at gastro.org/MACRA and on the AGA Community.
Earn credit while reading AGA journal articles
Now you can read some of your favorite AGA journal articles and receive maintenance of certification (MOC) credit at the same time.
Each issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH)and Gastroenterology includes continuing medical education (CME) exams designated for potential CME, and now MOC as well. The exams, which are available to subscribers, are based on an article from that issue and consist of a single test with short questions, followed by a brief post-test evaluation.
AGA designates certain journal-based CME activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Successful completion of these CME activities, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to one MOC point in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) MOC program. As AGA works to reform the MOC system, we recognize that many members need to earn points in the current system. Eligible participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity.
For more information about logging in and participating, visit the journal sites.
Ready to get started? The March exams for both CGH and Gastroenterology are now available online. You can also access past exams from each publication, but keep in mind that credit can only be earned for up to 1 year after the exam has been published.
Now you can read some of your favorite AGA journal articles and receive maintenance of certification (MOC) credit at the same time.
Each issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH)and Gastroenterology includes continuing medical education (CME) exams designated for potential CME, and now MOC as well. The exams, which are available to subscribers, are based on an article from that issue and consist of a single test with short questions, followed by a brief post-test evaluation.
AGA designates certain journal-based CME activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Successful completion of these CME activities, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to one MOC point in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) MOC program. As AGA works to reform the MOC system, we recognize that many members need to earn points in the current system. Eligible participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity.
For more information about logging in and participating, visit the journal sites.
Ready to get started? The March exams for both CGH and Gastroenterology are now available online. You can also access past exams from each publication, but keep in mind that credit can only be earned for up to 1 year after the exam has been published.
Now you can read some of your favorite AGA journal articles and receive maintenance of certification (MOC) credit at the same time.
Each issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH)and Gastroenterology includes continuing medical education (CME) exams designated for potential CME, and now MOC as well. The exams, which are available to subscribers, are based on an article from that issue and consist of a single test with short questions, followed by a brief post-test evaluation.
AGA designates certain journal-based CME activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Successful completion of these CME activities, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to one MOC point in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) MOC program. As AGA works to reform the MOC system, we recognize that many members need to earn points in the current system. Eligible participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity.
For more information about logging in and participating, visit the journal sites.
Ready to get started? The March exams for both CGH and Gastroenterology are now available online. You can also access past exams from each publication, but keep in mind that credit can only be earned for up to 1 year after the exam has been published.
AGA statement on U.S. travel ban
In early February, AGA released the following statement on the U.S. travel ban:
Science and illness ignore borders and political divides. That is why AGA is concerned that the recent U.S. executive order on immigration could limit scientific exchange, delay patient care, and impair medical training.
AGA is committed to diversity, which includes race, ethnicity, and national origin. Diversity within training programs and laboratories in the United States built today’s practice of gastroenterology. Scientists from around the world publish in our journals, work in our laboratories, train in our programs, and present data at Digestive Disease Week.® This exchange leads to better patient care, and very sick patients travel to the U.S. from around the world for the best digestive health care.
In light of these concerns, AGA adds our support to a growing number of medical institutions urging the administration to consider the devastating impact of the executive order on the health of the nation that will result from turning away patients, health professionals, and researchers. The recent immigration policy is clearly detrimental to America’s leadership role in advancing health care and to the standing of the U.S. within the international community.
“Know that the policies of AGA’s home country in no way reflect our position as an organization, and we continue to welcome and support physicians and investigators from all nations,” said AGA Institute President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF. “We understand the impact that the recent ban has had on many, and apologize for any hurt or disruption it may have caused in your lives or careers.”
To better advocate on behalf of international members and patients, Dr. Wang invites members to the AGA Community, either publicly or anonymously, to share your stories about how a travel ban could affect your patients, practice, academic center, training program, or lab.
For more updates, please visit gastro.org.
In early February, AGA released the following statement on the U.S. travel ban:
Science and illness ignore borders and political divides. That is why AGA is concerned that the recent U.S. executive order on immigration could limit scientific exchange, delay patient care, and impair medical training.
AGA is committed to diversity, which includes race, ethnicity, and national origin. Diversity within training programs and laboratories in the United States built today’s practice of gastroenterology. Scientists from around the world publish in our journals, work in our laboratories, train in our programs, and present data at Digestive Disease Week.® This exchange leads to better patient care, and very sick patients travel to the U.S. from around the world for the best digestive health care.
In light of these concerns, AGA adds our support to a growing number of medical institutions urging the administration to consider the devastating impact of the executive order on the health of the nation that will result from turning away patients, health professionals, and researchers. The recent immigration policy is clearly detrimental to America’s leadership role in advancing health care and to the standing of the U.S. within the international community.
“Know that the policies of AGA’s home country in no way reflect our position as an organization, and we continue to welcome and support physicians and investigators from all nations,” said AGA Institute President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF. “We understand the impact that the recent ban has had on many, and apologize for any hurt or disruption it may have caused in your lives or careers.”
To better advocate on behalf of international members and patients, Dr. Wang invites members to the AGA Community, either publicly or anonymously, to share your stories about how a travel ban could affect your patients, practice, academic center, training program, or lab.
For more updates, please visit gastro.org.
In early February, AGA released the following statement on the U.S. travel ban:
Science and illness ignore borders and political divides. That is why AGA is concerned that the recent U.S. executive order on immigration could limit scientific exchange, delay patient care, and impair medical training.
AGA is committed to diversity, which includes race, ethnicity, and national origin. Diversity within training programs and laboratories in the United States built today’s practice of gastroenterology. Scientists from around the world publish in our journals, work in our laboratories, train in our programs, and present data at Digestive Disease Week.® This exchange leads to better patient care, and very sick patients travel to the U.S. from around the world for the best digestive health care.
In light of these concerns, AGA adds our support to a growing number of medical institutions urging the administration to consider the devastating impact of the executive order on the health of the nation that will result from turning away patients, health professionals, and researchers. The recent immigration policy is clearly detrimental to America’s leadership role in advancing health care and to the standing of the U.S. within the international community.
“Know that the policies of AGA’s home country in no way reflect our position as an organization, and we continue to welcome and support physicians and investigators from all nations,” said AGA Institute President Timothy Wang, MD, AGAF. “We understand the impact that the recent ban has had on many, and apologize for any hurt or disruption it may have caused in your lives or careers.”
To better advocate on behalf of international members and patients, Dr. Wang invites members to the AGA Community, either publicly or anonymously, to share your stories about how a travel ban could affect your patients, practice, academic center, training program, or lab.
For more updates, please visit gastro.org.
SVS Honors: Who Will Take Home the Statue?
The Society for Vascular Surgery is accepting nominations for its three highest honors until March 1. Recipients will be recognized at the 2017 Vascular Annual meeting.
The awards are the SVS Lifetime Achievement Award; SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery and the SVS Distinguished Fellow designation. More information is available here.
The Society for Vascular Surgery is accepting nominations for its three highest honors until March 1. Recipients will be recognized at the 2017 Vascular Annual meeting.
The awards are the SVS Lifetime Achievement Award; SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery and the SVS Distinguished Fellow designation. More information is available here.
The Society for Vascular Surgery is accepting nominations for its three highest honors until March 1. Recipients will be recognized at the 2017 Vascular Annual meeting.
The awards are the SVS Lifetime Achievement Award; SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery and the SVS Distinguished Fellow designation. More information is available here.
Apply Now to Join SVS in 2017
Are you not yet a member? Have you been putting off applying? Do you know someone else who would be a great addition to the Society for Vascular Surgery? Be part of something amazing. Apply to join the SVS – but do it soon, before March 1.
The Society votes on membership applications only once each year, during the Vascular Annual Meeting. At that time, decisions will be made on all those applications submitted by March 1; any that come in after that date will have to wait for the 2018 VAM.
Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.
Are you not yet a member? Have you been putting off applying? Do you know someone else who would be a great addition to the Society for Vascular Surgery? Be part of something amazing. Apply to join the SVS – but do it soon, before March 1.
The Society votes on membership applications only once each year, during the Vascular Annual Meeting. At that time, decisions will be made on all those applications submitted by March 1; any that come in after that date will have to wait for the 2018 VAM.
Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.
Are you not yet a member? Have you been putting off applying? Do you know someone else who would be a great addition to the Society for Vascular Surgery? Be part of something amazing. Apply to join the SVS – but do it soon, before March 1.
The Society votes on membership applications only once each year, during the Vascular Annual Meeting. At that time, decisions will be made on all those applications submitted by March 1; any that come in after that date will have to wait for the 2018 VAM.
Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.
Pulmonary Perspectives: High levels of air pollution in Delhi and adverse health effects
“Nature’s condition, rightly interpreted, reveals a society’s culture and traditions as directly as does a novel or a newspaper or a code of laws.”
– Roderick F. Nash
Adverse effects of air pollution on human health have been known ever since the “Great London Smog” in 1952. Mankind is paying for rapid industrialization by adversely affecting the air that we breathe. The developed world has been able to improve the environmental standards by following stringent norms and practices regarding engines, fuels, and industrial safety. However, the same cannot be said about developing countries. Delhi, the capital of India, has seen high levels of air pollution for the last several decades.
The number of registered vehicles in Delhi has doubled over the last 10 years. This, along with rapidly increasing numbers of small scale industries and inconsistently regulated construction work, has led to ever-increasing levels of air pollution in Delhi. The city has witnessed smog for the last few years.
Smog causing disruption of daily life and health hazards has been reported from Los Angeles, Beijing, and many other major cities around the world. The London Smog of 1952 caused approximately 4,000 deaths within 4 days (Davis D, et al. Environ Health Perspectives. 2002;110[12]:A734) and caused another 8,000 deaths over next few weeks to months (Bell ML, et al. Environ Health Perspectives. 2004;112[1]:6).
Common sources and pollutants with reference to Delhi
As in most cities around the world, rapid industrialization and increases in vehicles using fossil fuels are important contributors to ambient air pollution in Delhi. Additional sources of air pollution unique to Delhi include dust generation during building construction, ash generation from thermal power plants, crop residue burning in neighboring states, and burning of fossil fuels for domestic, as well as small scale, industrial use. Major pollutants include particulate matter (both PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).
Delhi is distinct in its geographic location adjoining the Great Indian Desert (Thar) in the west and cool hilly regions in the north and east. This accounts for great seasonal variations in temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Also, being a landlocked territory, there are no moderating effects of sea breeze available to other metropolitan cities (like Mumbai and Chennai).
Dust storms during the summer from the neighboring state of Rajasthan cause an increase in suspended particulate matter (SPM). All these contribute to seasonal and climatic variations in air quality. In addition, the use of fire crackers during the festival of Diwali leads to dangerous levels of air pollution also.
Adverse health effects as witnessed in clinics and community
Many adults, without any prior history of respiratory illness, attended our outpatient department (OPD) with breathlessness, chest congestion, and wheezing requiring inhaled bronchodilators. A significant proportion of patients with previously diagnosed respiratory diseases (including COPD, bronchial asthma, or interstitial lung disease) reported to OPDs or emergency services with worsening cough, wheezing, and breathlessness. A few patients coming from outside Delhi for routine follow-up had exacerbation of COPD after coming to Delhi (personal observations).
We have previously reported increases in asthma, COPD, and acute coronary events (by 21.30%, 24.90%, and 24.30%, respectively) due to higher than acceptable levels of air pollutants in Delhi (Pande JN, et al. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci. 2002;44[1]:13). Another concerning development has been the increase in the number of persons being diagnosed with bronchial asthma in middle age, probably related to worsening air quality. Persons at extremes of age (young children and elderly) are particularly affected.
Studies in Delhi assessing ambient air pollution–related morbidity and mortality
Studies have used risk of mortality/morbidity due to air pollution model (Ri–MAP) to assess health impact of various air pollutants in Delhi. According to their estimates, there were 18,229 excess deaths in Delhi in the year 2010, more than 50% of which were due to cardiovascular or respiratory causes. Also, 26,525 excess hospital admissions due to COPD exacerbation could be attributed to ambient air pollution (Nagpure A, et al. Atmospheric Pollution Res. 2014;5[3]:1309).
Interventions: Work in progress
The Central Pollution Control Board convened an Expert Committee (Dr. Khilnani as a member) for formulation and implementation of Air Quality Index (AQI) in major Indian cities (http://cpcb.nic.in/FINAL-REPORT_AQI_.pdf).
Currently reported AQI is calculated by using the following parameters: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10,PM2.5) averaged over 24 hours, along with ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO), averaged over 1-8 hours. AQI is classified as good (0-50), satisfactory (51-100), moderate (101-200), poor (201-300), very poor (301-400), and severe (greater than 401).
AQI is reported daily in leading newspapers along with public and private news channels. Thanks to the mainstream and social media, smog has become a commonly understood word. Air pollution is a hot topic of discussion among people of all socioeconomic and demographic strata.
Children of almost all schools in Delhi pledged not to use firecrackers this Diwali. People are increasingly sharing taxis or carpooling. Utilization of public transport is gradually increasing.
The Delhi government ordered temporarily shutting off the only working thermal power plant in the megacity (source of 10%-15% of ambient air pollution). The government is also working on an action plan based on air quality, which includes both preventive and prohibitive measures.
Delhi Transport Corporation operates one of the world’s largest fleets of compressed natural gas–operated buses. Delhi Metro Corporation has been lauded by the United Nations for its efforts in reducing the carbon footprint and air pollution.
Yet, a lot needs to be done to improve the air quality in Delhi. Last mile connectivity remains a big hurdle; improving this will go a long way in promoting use of public transport. Implementation of methods to reduce particulate matter generation at construction sites, promoting use of vehicles using electricity or compressed natural gas, increasing parking charges for vehicles, banning the use of diesel-driven heavy vehicles in the city, road cleaning with vacuum cleaners to reduce PM 10 generation, increasing green areas, and promoting carpooling or taxi sharing are some other initiatives that need to be implemented on priority. Delhi and surrounding states need to strengthen awareness drives and norms to discourage crop residue burning on a priority basis.
Conclusion
Delhi’s poor air quality during this winter has indeed affected the respiratory health of the population. Healthy people, as well as those with preexisting respiratory diseases, are adversely affected. A series of actions at the personal and institutional level is required to control this menace.
Dr. Khilnani is Professor, and Dr. Tiwari is Research Officer, Department of Pulmonary Medicine & Sleep Disorders, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
“Nature’s condition, rightly interpreted, reveals a society’s culture and traditions as directly as does a novel or a newspaper or a code of laws.”
– Roderick F. Nash
Adverse effects of air pollution on human health have been known ever since the “Great London Smog” in 1952. Mankind is paying for rapid industrialization by adversely affecting the air that we breathe. The developed world has been able to improve the environmental standards by following stringent norms and practices regarding engines, fuels, and industrial safety. However, the same cannot be said about developing countries. Delhi, the capital of India, has seen high levels of air pollution for the last several decades.
The number of registered vehicles in Delhi has doubled over the last 10 years. This, along with rapidly increasing numbers of small scale industries and inconsistently regulated construction work, has led to ever-increasing levels of air pollution in Delhi. The city has witnessed smog for the last few years.
Smog causing disruption of daily life and health hazards has been reported from Los Angeles, Beijing, and many other major cities around the world. The London Smog of 1952 caused approximately 4,000 deaths within 4 days (Davis D, et al. Environ Health Perspectives. 2002;110[12]:A734) and caused another 8,000 deaths over next few weeks to months (Bell ML, et al. Environ Health Perspectives. 2004;112[1]:6).
Common sources and pollutants with reference to Delhi
As in most cities around the world, rapid industrialization and increases in vehicles using fossil fuels are important contributors to ambient air pollution in Delhi. Additional sources of air pollution unique to Delhi include dust generation during building construction, ash generation from thermal power plants, crop residue burning in neighboring states, and burning of fossil fuels for domestic, as well as small scale, industrial use. Major pollutants include particulate matter (both PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).
Delhi is distinct in its geographic location adjoining the Great Indian Desert (Thar) in the west and cool hilly regions in the north and east. This accounts for great seasonal variations in temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Also, being a landlocked territory, there are no moderating effects of sea breeze available to other metropolitan cities (like Mumbai and Chennai).
Dust storms during the summer from the neighboring state of Rajasthan cause an increase in suspended particulate matter (SPM). All these contribute to seasonal and climatic variations in air quality. In addition, the use of fire crackers during the festival of Diwali leads to dangerous levels of air pollution also.
Adverse health effects as witnessed in clinics and community
Many adults, without any prior history of respiratory illness, attended our outpatient department (OPD) with breathlessness, chest congestion, and wheezing requiring inhaled bronchodilators. A significant proportion of patients with previously diagnosed respiratory diseases (including COPD, bronchial asthma, or interstitial lung disease) reported to OPDs or emergency services with worsening cough, wheezing, and breathlessness. A few patients coming from outside Delhi for routine follow-up had exacerbation of COPD after coming to Delhi (personal observations).
We have previously reported increases in asthma, COPD, and acute coronary events (by 21.30%, 24.90%, and 24.30%, respectively) due to higher than acceptable levels of air pollutants in Delhi (Pande JN, et al. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci. 2002;44[1]:13). Another concerning development has been the increase in the number of persons being diagnosed with bronchial asthma in middle age, probably related to worsening air quality. Persons at extremes of age (young children and elderly) are particularly affected.
Studies in Delhi assessing ambient air pollution–related morbidity and mortality
Studies have used risk of mortality/morbidity due to air pollution model (Ri–MAP) to assess health impact of various air pollutants in Delhi. According to their estimates, there were 18,229 excess deaths in Delhi in the year 2010, more than 50% of which were due to cardiovascular or respiratory causes. Also, 26,525 excess hospital admissions due to COPD exacerbation could be attributed to ambient air pollution (Nagpure A, et al. Atmospheric Pollution Res. 2014;5[3]:1309).
Interventions: Work in progress
The Central Pollution Control Board convened an Expert Committee (Dr. Khilnani as a member) for formulation and implementation of Air Quality Index (AQI) in major Indian cities (http://cpcb.nic.in/FINAL-REPORT_AQI_.pdf).
Currently reported AQI is calculated by using the following parameters: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10,PM2.5) averaged over 24 hours, along with ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO), averaged over 1-8 hours. AQI is classified as good (0-50), satisfactory (51-100), moderate (101-200), poor (201-300), very poor (301-400), and severe (greater than 401).
AQI is reported daily in leading newspapers along with public and private news channels. Thanks to the mainstream and social media, smog has become a commonly understood word. Air pollution is a hot topic of discussion among people of all socioeconomic and demographic strata.
Children of almost all schools in Delhi pledged not to use firecrackers this Diwali. People are increasingly sharing taxis or carpooling. Utilization of public transport is gradually increasing.
The Delhi government ordered temporarily shutting off the only working thermal power plant in the megacity (source of 10%-15% of ambient air pollution). The government is also working on an action plan based on air quality, which includes both preventive and prohibitive measures.
Delhi Transport Corporation operates one of the world’s largest fleets of compressed natural gas–operated buses. Delhi Metro Corporation has been lauded by the United Nations for its efforts in reducing the carbon footprint and air pollution.
Yet, a lot needs to be done to improve the air quality in Delhi. Last mile connectivity remains a big hurdle; improving this will go a long way in promoting use of public transport. Implementation of methods to reduce particulate matter generation at construction sites, promoting use of vehicles using electricity or compressed natural gas, increasing parking charges for vehicles, banning the use of diesel-driven heavy vehicles in the city, road cleaning with vacuum cleaners to reduce PM 10 generation, increasing green areas, and promoting carpooling or taxi sharing are some other initiatives that need to be implemented on priority. Delhi and surrounding states need to strengthen awareness drives and norms to discourage crop residue burning on a priority basis.
Conclusion
Delhi’s poor air quality during this winter has indeed affected the respiratory health of the population. Healthy people, as well as those with preexisting respiratory diseases, are adversely affected. A series of actions at the personal and institutional level is required to control this menace.
Dr. Khilnani is Professor, and Dr. Tiwari is Research Officer, Department of Pulmonary Medicine & Sleep Disorders, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
“Nature’s condition, rightly interpreted, reveals a society’s culture and traditions as directly as does a novel or a newspaper or a code of laws.”
– Roderick F. Nash
Adverse effects of air pollution on human health have been known ever since the “Great London Smog” in 1952. Mankind is paying for rapid industrialization by adversely affecting the air that we breathe. The developed world has been able to improve the environmental standards by following stringent norms and practices regarding engines, fuels, and industrial safety. However, the same cannot be said about developing countries. Delhi, the capital of India, has seen high levels of air pollution for the last several decades.
The number of registered vehicles in Delhi has doubled over the last 10 years. This, along with rapidly increasing numbers of small scale industries and inconsistently regulated construction work, has led to ever-increasing levels of air pollution in Delhi. The city has witnessed smog for the last few years.
Smog causing disruption of daily life and health hazards has been reported from Los Angeles, Beijing, and many other major cities around the world. The London Smog of 1952 caused approximately 4,000 deaths within 4 days (Davis D, et al. Environ Health Perspectives. 2002;110[12]:A734) and caused another 8,000 deaths over next few weeks to months (Bell ML, et al. Environ Health Perspectives. 2004;112[1]:6).
Common sources and pollutants with reference to Delhi
As in most cities around the world, rapid industrialization and increases in vehicles using fossil fuels are important contributors to ambient air pollution in Delhi. Additional sources of air pollution unique to Delhi include dust generation during building construction, ash generation from thermal power plants, crop residue burning in neighboring states, and burning of fossil fuels for domestic, as well as small scale, industrial use. Major pollutants include particulate matter (both PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).
Delhi is distinct in its geographic location adjoining the Great Indian Desert (Thar) in the west and cool hilly regions in the north and east. This accounts for great seasonal variations in temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Also, being a landlocked territory, there are no moderating effects of sea breeze available to other metropolitan cities (like Mumbai and Chennai).
Dust storms during the summer from the neighboring state of Rajasthan cause an increase in suspended particulate matter (SPM). All these contribute to seasonal and climatic variations in air quality. In addition, the use of fire crackers during the festival of Diwali leads to dangerous levels of air pollution also.
Adverse health effects as witnessed in clinics and community
Many adults, without any prior history of respiratory illness, attended our outpatient department (OPD) with breathlessness, chest congestion, and wheezing requiring inhaled bronchodilators. A significant proportion of patients with previously diagnosed respiratory diseases (including COPD, bronchial asthma, or interstitial lung disease) reported to OPDs or emergency services with worsening cough, wheezing, and breathlessness. A few patients coming from outside Delhi for routine follow-up had exacerbation of COPD after coming to Delhi (personal observations).
We have previously reported increases in asthma, COPD, and acute coronary events (by 21.30%, 24.90%, and 24.30%, respectively) due to higher than acceptable levels of air pollutants in Delhi (Pande JN, et al. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci. 2002;44[1]:13). Another concerning development has been the increase in the number of persons being diagnosed with bronchial asthma in middle age, probably related to worsening air quality. Persons at extremes of age (young children and elderly) are particularly affected.
Studies in Delhi assessing ambient air pollution–related morbidity and mortality
Studies have used risk of mortality/morbidity due to air pollution model (Ri–MAP) to assess health impact of various air pollutants in Delhi. According to their estimates, there were 18,229 excess deaths in Delhi in the year 2010, more than 50% of which were due to cardiovascular or respiratory causes. Also, 26,525 excess hospital admissions due to COPD exacerbation could be attributed to ambient air pollution (Nagpure A, et al. Atmospheric Pollution Res. 2014;5[3]:1309).
Interventions: Work in progress
The Central Pollution Control Board convened an Expert Committee (Dr. Khilnani as a member) for formulation and implementation of Air Quality Index (AQI) in major Indian cities (http://cpcb.nic.in/FINAL-REPORT_AQI_.pdf).
Currently reported AQI is calculated by using the following parameters: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10,PM2.5) averaged over 24 hours, along with ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO), averaged over 1-8 hours. AQI is classified as good (0-50), satisfactory (51-100), moderate (101-200), poor (201-300), very poor (301-400), and severe (greater than 401).
AQI is reported daily in leading newspapers along with public and private news channels. Thanks to the mainstream and social media, smog has become a commonly understood word. Air pollution is a hot topic of discussion among people of all socioeconomic and demographic strata.
Children of almost all schools in Delhi pledged not to use firecrackers this Diwali. People are increasingly sharing taxis or carpooling. Utilization of public transport is gradually increasing.
The Delhi government ordered temporarily shutting off the only working thermal power plant in the megacity (source of 10%-15% of ambient air pollution). The government is also working on an action plan based on air quality, which includes both preventive and prohibitive measures.
Delhi Transport Corporation operates one of the world’s largest fleets of compressed natural gas–operated buses. Delhi Metro Corporation has been lauded by the United Nations for its efforts in reducing the carbon footprint and air pollution.
Yet, a lot needs to be done to improve the air quality in Delhi. Last mile connectivity remains a big hurdle; improving this will go a long way in promoting use of public transport. Implementation of methods to reduce particulate matter generation at construction sites, promoting use of vehicles using electricity or compressed natural gas, increasing parking charges for vehicles, banning the use of diesel-driven heavy vehicles in the city, road cleaning with vacuum cleaners to reduce PM 10 generation, increasing green areas, and promoting carpooling or taxi sharing are some other initiatives that need to be implemented on priority. Delhi and surrounding states need to strengthen awareness drives and norms to discourage crop residue burning on a priority basis.
Conclusion
Delhi’s poor air quality during this winter has indeed affected the respiratory health of the population. Healthy people, as well as those with preexisting respiratory diseases, are adversely affected. A series of actions at the personal and institutional level is required to control this menace.
Dr. Khilnani is Professor, and Dr. Tiwari is Research Officer, Department of Pulmonary Medicine & Sleep Disorders, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
