Delhi AQI Health Effects: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the overall air quality in Delhi is in the very poor category till October 24. Delhi’s air quality is likely to deteriorate further and it is predicted that the AQI will remain low on October 26 and 27.
Exposure to such bad air can cause immediate and long-term health problems. The pollutants are highly toxic and are bad for the lungs of children and adults alike. Breathing problem occurs due to poor quality of air which can be serious like asthma and sinus which can cause many issues.
Health consequences of severe air pollution in Delhi?
asthma attack
People who are suffering from an existing condition of asthma often face breathing problems as the pollution increases. Inhaling such fine particles of pollution can also aggravate asthma attacks.
During this time children are most affected because they have to go to school and thus they are not able to escape from pollution. Parents should take proper precautions to maintain their health by first wearing a mask covering their nose and mouth.
chronic bronchitis
Bronchitis is also the result of poor air quality among other factors, a chronic condition in which coughing lasts for months making it difficult to breathe regularly.
pneumonia
Evidence suggests that air pollution increases the risk of pneumonia, whether you live indoors or outdoors, it also increases the risk of mortality.
heart diseases
With the current festive season, the general health of the people is not on the healthy side and moreover, increasing air pollution can simultaneously contribute to chronic heart conditions and also lead to heart attacks.
How can you stay safe from air pollution?
In view of the increasing level of air pollution in Delhi, we must follow an action plan if we want to stay safe and at the same time reduce the air pollution.
Here are some tips and steps you can take to make it easier to breathe in Delhi’s hazy air:
1. Wear a Pollution Mask
A carbon filter, an exhaust valve and a filter better than the N95 are essential components of a complete pollution mask. Limit outdoor activities and make sure the mask fits well before purchasing.
2. Use an Air Purifier
Filtering the air can reduce the amount of contaminants you breathe. Your final product will be pure with the higher caliber of your air filter.
3. Avoid Exercising Outside
When we exercise hard, we have to breathe more in the smog around us. Avoid going for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening in a situation like Delhi, and remember to wear your pollution mask, if necessary.
4. Consult Your Doctor
Get yourself tested if you experience symptoms like:
– Difficulty in breathing (if you have a respiratory disease)
– increased heart rate (if you have heart disease)
– burning in the eyes
– Headache and fatigue
The intensity of these diseases and conditions can vary from person to person depending on the age, gender and lifestyle they follow.
Also read: People flouting restrictions blow Delhi’s air quality to ‘very poor’
Cars, industrial discharge, stubble burning and construction activities are the primary causes of ill pollution of Delhi. People should take precautions and wear masks while going out and use other methods of protection inside the house.
(Disclaimer: The information given in this article is based on general information and does not replace the advice of an expert. Zee News does not endorse the same.)