Even as the National Capital Region continues to grapple with dense smog, former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria has warned that the consequences of air pollution could lead to more deaths than the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr Guleria, Chairman of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta, air pollution is expected to cause 8 million deaths worldwide in 2021 – more than those who have died due to COVID-19 infection. There is too much. “A 2021 report from the Health Effects Institute said that air pollution caused the death of almost 8 million people in the world. This is more than the number of people who died due to COVID-19. We are concerned about COVID , But we are not worried about air pollution.” Dr. Guleria said in an interview to ANI.

AQI is continuously increasing in New Delhi

The air quality index or AQI in New Delhi is worsening seriously, with dense blanket of smog being seen in many areas of NCR for the last few days. The AQI recorded in the city this morning as it stood at 354 was in the “very poor” category.

Experts have said that the constant exposure to pollution and smog is leading to a tremendous increase in respiratory problems among residents – leading to cases of asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis and even lung cancer. Dr. Guleria said that the seriousness of pollution is not as serious as that of Corona virus. “We were very concerned about COVID, but we were not as concerned about air pollution,” he said.

Recent data from India shows that an increase of just 10 micrograms per meter cubed in particulate matter 2.5 – a type of air pollutant made up of extremely small particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less – is linked to higher deaths.

What is health consequences of air pollution,

According to experts, constant exposure to poisonous and toxic chemicals in the air affects the most vulnerable group, which includes children and older adults, who suffer from persistent eye, nose and throat irritation, wheezing and cough, chest tightness and Suffer from difficulty in breathing. In addition, some serious diseases include:

heart disease

Air pollution increases risk of heart attack and stroke

cancer

Air pollution is the main cause of lung cancer

Pneumonia and Alzheimer’s disease

Increasing air pollution leads to pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

neurological conditions

Air pollution increases risk of neurological conditions like cognitive impairment and dementia

damage to the reproductive system

Air pollution harms the reproductive system in both men and women and can increase the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.