Severe AQI Levels in Delhi/NCR: How Do They Affect You?

Hello Ziddis! In a concerning twist of events, our social media are flooded with Delhi AQI memes! Every brand every “funny” person you know has something witty to say about this. But what is the truth under the surface? What is your body saying about it? If you are someone who lives in Delhi or other metropolitan areas suffering from rapid development leading to lower quality of life, this one’s for you all. We do not mean to worry but we think it is time we start to.

Delhi Pollution: A Recurring Crisis

Delhi has been in the headlines for a few years now regarding its pollution levels. During the winters along with cold weathers that can stop you from wanting to step out, Delhi starts to experience a weather of lethal air quality that makes you not step out at all. Various rules came in, bills were passed but to no use. As you read this, Delhi’s lungs are facing an issue. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the areas of Delhi and NCR have reached alarming levels. Delhi pollution stands at 436. To put this into perspective, An AQI value around 50 represents good air quality. As it goes higher, the concern increases. Until it reaches above 300. That is when we should start to worry more seriously. This air is lethal to inhale. This year, Delhi has surpassed the hazardous thresholds.

Causes of Air Pollution

Who is to blame for this? Delhi which was known for its historic beauty is now covered in smog with no sight of more than a few feet to be visible. Some major causes of air pollution that lead to this state of affairs are:

• Vehicles: Automobiles are one of the biggest causes of air pollution globally.
• Burning of Crop Stubbles: During winters, areas in and around Delhi happen to start burning seasonal stubble which spikes the particulate matter levels in the air causing air pollution
• Burning Waste: Burning toxic wastes releases gases that are heavier than rest. They can’t escape and stay trapped in the atmosphere.
• Construction: A developing nation is always under construction and the dust that comes from it becomes a main cause of air pollution.
• Weather Fluctuations: The low wind speeds and heavier air make the pollutants trapped in the lower layer of the atmosphere. Global warming isn’t helping.

Owing to these critical reasons, the air quality of the heart of this country has now become deadly.

Effects of Air Pollution

What can breathing in such air do to us? With AQI levels at 436, the health hazards are not just lethal but also immediate and long-term. Common impacts on health include:

• Respiratory issues
• Nasal infections
• ENT allergies
• Cardiovascular inflammation
• Skin rashes
• Eye itching
• Wheezing, cough and cold
• Aggravated asthma
• COPD aka Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which leads to the damaging of lung tissues. This is caused by continuously inhaling polluted air
• Lung Cancer
• Difficulty in breathing
• Mental health concerns
• Immune system weakening
• High levels of stress and anxiety

The list is longer than this but is this enough for us to start taking it seriously? The aged population are getting impacted and pregnant women face the issue of how this level of air pollution could impact their child.

How to Mitigate the Side Effects of Air Pollution

Delhi needs to take some proactive measures for AQI as high as 436. Here are some things the residents are doing and could do:

• Wear masks like N95 or N99 masks to filter out harmful particles.
• Avoid stepping out
• Use air purifiers
• Have a healthier diet by including fit foods to strengthen your immunity
• Have some indoor plants
• Stay active even if indoor
• Stay hydrated and add some electrolytes to the water

You can get all you need online especially health supplements via MuscleBlaze so in case you have an elder in your house try not to step out often and carry in the allergies.

Takeaway

Delhi pollution case should act as an eye-opener for everyone especially those who underestimate climate change and the impact we have on the climate. Understanding what a grave danger this is to our civilization and trying to solve this issue is the need of the hour. Make sure you stay safe, keep yourself healthy and respect the environment to make it a safer place to exist.

Source:

1. https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/#:~:text=The%20higher%20the%20AQI%20value,300%20represents%20hazardous%20air%20quality.

2. https://aqicn.org/city/delhi/