Prolonged exposure to air pollution, particularly dust from building activities and crackers and stubble burning impacts the weather, affects the respiratory system in addition to causing heart and neurological issues such cardiac arrests, strokes, and stomach distress.
Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution, like those currently present in Delhi, is not only detrimental to respiratory health but can also cause cardiac, neurological, and gastrointestinal issues that lower people's productivity. People's health is also placed at danger by the crackers, stubble burning and heavy dust from building sites brought on by the widespread violation of the ban.
High pollution levels exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and increase the risk of developing new ones.
Silica dust pollution exposure near construction sites has both short- and long-term detrimental effects, in addition to nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions from large machinery and vehicles.
Long durations of exposure to such bad air quality would reduce productivity and concentration levels, and people might even go through spells of depression.
Cancer is among the most serious effects of prolonged pollution exposure
Every year, as winter approaches, the capital's air quality deteriorates and reaches dangerous levels. Cooler temperatures and calm breezes that prevent the pollutants from dispersing make the smoke from stubble fires in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, emissions from Diwali firecrackers, and Delhi's local pollution sources worse.
Source- Hindustan Times
Health Implications
Although the post-Diwali time in the city this year was relatively clean, the air quality in recent days has reached dangerous levels. Hospital outpatient divisions are already feeling the effects of it.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term inflammatory lung condition that obstructs airflow, are on the rise. Additionally, the number of individuals arriving with pneumonia in both lungs has increased.
"Lung cancer cases will rise in the future years as a result of prolonged exposure to pollution; this exposure also has an impact on life expectancy."
Based on a 2018 Lancet Global Health study report, home and ambient air pollution are to blame for more than half of the cases of COPD in India. 80% of COPD cases in affluent nations are brought on by smoking.
Even when the air quality fell marginally into the bad category, with PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns thick) values reported between 50 and 100 micrograms per cubic metre, there was a 20% increase in the number of patients requiring emergency care for acute respiratory symptoms.
Mostly during peak months of October to January, when Delhi routinely records PM2.5 levels of approximately 400 micrograms per cubic metre, this number rises to 40%.
When the AQI reaches 200, persons with comorbidities should avoid being outside, and when it reaches 300, healthy people should stay indoors.
"People have to use N95 masks. Surgical masks are ineffective in such a polluted environment”
-Health Experts
Preventive Measures
Exercise is important, but not when the air we are inhaling is contaminated. People should wait until the pollution clears before going for walks, jogs, or any other outside exercise. Put an end to these activities during the day.
You should always use N95 and N99 masks when you are outside.
Aloe vera, ivy, and spider plants are examples of air purifying plants that may be used in homes and workplaces. They lessen indoor pollutants and aid in air purification.
Make sure there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom to prevent indoor air pollution. The air will be recirculated as a result. Few people are aware that pollution indoors sometimes exceeds pollution outdoors.
Do not let your kids outside if they are under 8 years old. Ask the school administration to stop outside activities, if at all feasible.
Use air purifiers, especially in children's and senior citizens' rooms (and even pregnant women). They are especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of air pollution.
Every day in the evening, try taking a steam bath with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to relax your airways and aid in the removal of dangerous particulates from your body.
Roll down your window before you start your automobile in the morning to allow fresh air to circulate. Next, turn on the interior circulation mode of your car's air conditioner to significantly lower the PM 2.5 level.
Between 3 and 5 in the afternoon, throw open your windows and doors to let some fresh air in. This period of time is when the concentration of PM 2.5 is at its lowest on a bright sunny day.
Consume jaggery (also known as gudd) to remove toxins from your lungs. You may eat it straight up or substitute sugar for it in your usual dishes.
Consume foods high in omega fatty acids, magnesium, and fruits high in vitamin C. By maintaining your immunity, a balanced diet will help you against the negative impacts of pollution.
Savour some tulsi and ginger herbal tea. It is quite good to consume this nutritious mixture once or twice a day to reduce the negative effects of pollution!
Conclusion
Unbearable smoke has engulfed Delhi and the regions around it and won't let up. Everyone is coughing, which is understandable, and the noxious air is also irritating their throats and spreading viral illnesses. Asthma and cardiovascular disease sufferers are more affected by the illness.
