The Air You Breathe Could Be Slowly Affecting Your Lungs, Says Dr. Rebecca Nantanda

Dr. Rebecca Nantanda, a pediatrician and researcher at Makerere University Lung Institute, has warned about the silent dangers of air pollution.

Speaking during Next Morning Switch’s Wellness Wednesday, she explained that many people think pollution is only about bad smells or dust that can be sneezed out, but the real harm comes from particles we cannot see.

She said there are tiny particles in the air that stay in the lungs and cause long-term damage, especially in children.

Dr. Rebecca pointed out that some common cooking methods, like using charcoal and firewood, are major sources of indoor pollution.

Cars that use diesel and road construction that stirs up dust also contribute to the problem.

Uganda’s biggest challenge, she added, lies in the energy sources we rely on.

She encouraged Ugandans who can afford it to consider switching to gas and electricity for cooking.

She explained that respiratory diseases such as pneumonia are becoming more common, and children are the most affected at all stages of growth.

Asked about perfumes, air purifiers, and humidifiers, Dr. Rebecca said there is no strong scientific evidence yet to prove their effectiveness in protecting people from pollution.

Instead, she believes individuals can make a bigger difference by choosing cleaner energy and supporting policies that reduce pollution.

If you are concerned about the air quality in your area, she mentioned that their partners at AirQo have created an app, available on the Apple Store and Play Store, that works like any weather app.

It can help you check air quality in different locations and guide your decisions on whether to visit those places.

If you missed the show, this is a reminder that air pollution may not always be visible, but its effects can be serious.