Delhi, a city celebrated for its rich culture and history, faces a pressing environmental challenge: air pollution. Unfortunately, the city has earned the global reputation of being one of the most polluted, with factors like heavy traffic, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust contributing significantly to the deteriorating air quality.
Ranked as the world’s most polluted capital in 2019, Delhi’s air quality regularly breaches safe limits, with particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels dangerously high. These microscopic pollutants penetrate deep into lung passageways and enter the bloodstream, leading to severe health consequences.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution
Dr. Lalit Mohan Parashar, Senior Consultant – ENT at MASSH Super Speciality Hospitals, highlights the diverse health risks posed by polluted air. He states: “Short-term exposure can cause respiratory infections, headaches, and dizziness. Prolonged exposure, however, leads to chronic conditions like respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and even lung cancer. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable.”
The statistics paint a grim picture. Reports from 2019 attribute over 1.67 million deaths in India to air pollution, with Delhi’s residents facing some of the worst per capita death rates from particulate pollution. Beyond the human toll, the economic burden is staggering, with health-related expenses running into billions annually.
Pollution-Related Health Issues
Dr. Parashar further emphasizes the growing health crisis: “Over the years, I have witnessed a notable increase in cases of air pollution-related ailments. Conditions that were once seasonal, like respiratory infections, now persist year-round. This public health crisis demands stricter air quality control measures and greater public awareness to mitigate the risks.”
Tips to Protect Your Health from Pollution
To safeguard yourself and your loved ones from the adverse effects of air pollution, consider these practical measures:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps clear nasal and respiratory passages by thinning mucus and trapping pollutants.
Use Nasal Protection: Applying edible oil inside your nostrils can trap pollutants before they enter your lungs.
Increase Indoor Humidity: Adding a tabletop fountain or other water sources can boost indoor humidity, causing airborne pollutants to settle and improving indoor air quality.
A Call to Action
The health impacts of air pollution are undeniable, and Delhi’s situation is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action. By implementing preventive measures, raising awareness, and advocating for stricter pollution control policies, we can work towards cleaner air and better health for all.