1. 1. LatestNEWS Bombay HC extends Teesta Setalvad's interim bail toBengaluru:36 pc school children suffer due to air pollution Published 04-May-2015 17:18 ISTI Updated 19:40 ISTdu'l'rIia. com are copyridrt protected. Copy and/ or reproduction and/ or reuse of conteriits or any part the Bengaluru:Thirty six per cent of children in Bengaluru have poor lung capacity due to air pollution.While 14 per cent of them fared poor,22 per cent are fared bad in lung health screening test (LHST).According to a survey released by Breathe Blue '15, about 35 per cent ofschool-going children fared badly LHS T,indicating poor air quality across the country. A worrisome 21 per cent of the children survey in Delhi fared poor in the LHST conducted on them followed by 14 per cent in Bengaluru,13 per cent in Mumbai and 9 per cent in Kolkata. The survey revealed that 35 per cent (9 per cent poor and 26 per cent bad) school-going children in Kolkata and 27 per cent in Mumbai (13 per cent poor and 14 per cent bad) due to air pollution.The survey included 2.000 schoolgoing children in the age group of 8-14 from all parts ofthe country aimed at screening the lung health of children. The lung health screening test determines how much air the lungs can hold.how quickly one can move air in and out of his/ her lungs,and how well the lungs take oxygen in and remove carbon dioxide out from the body. said Dr Komarla Nagendra Prasad.senior allergist. The tests can detect lung diseases and measure the severity of lung problems.Poor results on LHST mean compromised lung function and high possibilities of contracting pulmonary diseases. " added Dr Prasad. Among the lot.the worst-aected children are those who commute in unpacked vehicles as they seem to be much more exposed to dust and particles in the air in comparison to children travelling in packed vehicles. In Delhi alone.about 92 per cent of children using UPT (unpacked transport)fared poor versus just 8 percent of those who use PT (packed transport).Similar trends were noticed in Mumbai (UPT:79 per cent.PT:21 per cent),Bengaluru (UPT:86 per cent.PT:14 per cent) and Kolkata (UPT:65 per cent.PT:35 per cent). Another research ofthe organization.titled CLAIM (Clean Air India Movement) citizens awareness and attitude survey suggests that majority of people think it is the whole and sole responsibility of government to clean the air,thinking that they can't do much about it. Conducted as part of their soon to be rolled out campaign.Blue Air Clean Air India Movement campaign that aims at educating.encouraging and stimulating all stakeholders,including citizens of the country.towards the cause of clean air. The survey indicates that only 15 per cent.24 per cent.27 per cent and 96 per cent in Delhi.Mumbai.Bangalore and Kolktata respectively people think even they as individuals are also responsible for the current level of air pollution and ofthem as much as 94 per cent.84 per cent,67 per cent and 76 per cent people think their participation and contribution will have either zero or negligible effect on air pollution.