Delhi-NCR is back to what it is at the end of every year – a gas chamber. With dense fog blanketing most areas and AQI crossing the 300 mark and entering the ‘very poor’ category, intense air pollution in October is causing health issues among residents.

According to doctors, vehicular pollution, uncontrolled industrial pollution, dust and construction activities as well as sporadic stubble burning are causing serious respiratory, heart and vision problems in most people. “Delhi NCR is a gas chamber right now. While people suffering from respiratory diseases like bronchitis and asthma are already bearing the brunt of high pollution levels, even normal people can feel the symptoms,” said Dr Sanju Purohit, Associate Professor, Akamai University. , USA and Research Fellow at the Council of Women Researchers at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), told Times Now.

Chronic pollution reduces life expectancy

According to Dr. Purohit, most of the people who have no option but to live in pollution suffer from various issues:

• persistent headache
• cold and cough
• itchy throat
• watery eyes

Dr Purohit said, “This high level of pollution can reduce life expectancy by at least 4-5 years and even cause irreparable damage to the lungs or lung cancer, the impact of which “It remains to be seen in the years to come.”

Earlier this year, a report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago said that nearly 2 crore people living in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi were on track to lose an average of 11.9 years of life expectancy, compared to the World Health Organization’s Are. Organization guidelines. Even by India’s own national standards, if current pollution levels continue, the life expectancy of residents will be reduced by 8.5 years.

Delhi – among India’s most populous cities – also holds the dubious distinction of being the most polluted city globally.

Serious health risks caused by air pollution

According to Dr. Purohit, the increase in pollution levels over the years has led to an increase in cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases and pulmonary diseases and has even affected the mental health of individuals. “Children, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are suffering the most,” Dr Purohit said.

Air pollution poses significant health risks due to the inhalation of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone. Even people who are healthy are experiencing irritation in the eyes, nose and throat as well as difficulty breathing, which leads to chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, heart attacks and strokes. .

What can be done to stop pollution?

Even though everyone is aware of the dangers posed by air pollution – not enough is being done to stay safe. According to experts, there are several long-term reforms that need to be tightened, such as cutting emissions, encouraging renewable energy and tightening laws, including making people wear masks and using air purifiers in homes and offices. . Additionally, there are not enough passengers using public transportation and planting trees.

“While the government is making policies to curb pollution, GRAP in a phased manner appears to be the only action to be taken for immediate relief. Extensive tree planting campaign is the need of the hour, as it will yield long term results. Additionally, we need to move towards sustainable living, reduce carbon emissions as much as possible and adopt a lifestyle that has a positive impact on the environment,” said Dr Purohit.

To stay safe during peak pollution hours, make sure to:

• stay indoors as much as possible
• keep doors and windows closed
• exercise indoors
• wear an n95 mask
• Do breathing exercises to increase the rate
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• stay informed

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