Air quality is one of the reasons for growth in incidence of heart, respiratory and oncological diseases. Deputy Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan Erkin Checheibaev told at a round table discussion.
He noted that, according to WHO, air pollution in the world caused 4.5 million premature deaths in 2016.
«We get used to thinking that the health care system will cure us. But much depends on the quality of the environment. Doctors will not heal, but the environment and lifestyle can improve health or prevent a disease,» he said.
Erkin Checheibaev stated that a high level of respiratory diseases was observed in children living in the regions.
«People in the regions mostly use stove heating, this smoke slowly penetrates into the houses, and people breathe poisoned air around the clock,» the official said.
He stressed that a high incidence rate was registered in Bishkek, too.
«We have newly built quarters, where coal and other materials are also used for heating,» he said.
According to the deputy minister, small particles (less than 2.5 microns) have a negative effect on the body, because they penetrate into the blood and spread further causing cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
