Air Pollution Health Risks: On Diwali night, fireworks were extensively displayed in Delhi and the NCR region. Let us explain how dangerous the toxic air present afterward is for you.
Delhi Pollution: Delhi's air has turned toxic after the Diwali festival ended. On Tuesday morning, most areas of Delhi recorded 'very poor' or 'severe' Air Quality Index (AQI). On Monday night, pollution levels were recorded in the 'red zone' at most monitoring centers. AQI of 417 was recorded in Dwarka, 404 in Ashok Vihar, 423 in Wazirpur and 404 in Anand Vihar. According to media reports, the air quality remained between 'very poor' to 'severe' at 36 out of 36 places. Let us tell you which diseases are likely to occur in such polluted air.
respiratory and lung diseases
The lungs are the first affected by polluted air. Constant exposure to polluted air can worsen problems like coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and asthma. Those who already have bronchitis or asthma may experience worsening conditions. This pollution is especially dangerous for children and the elderly, as their immunity is weakened.
risk of heart disease
Several studies show that prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of heart disease, including heart attack, increased blood pressure, and blood clotting. Pollution can thicken the blood, reducing blood flow to the heart.
Cancer risk
According to the WHO, long-term exposure to toxic air also increases the risk of lung cancer. Particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) in the air enters the body, damaging cells and can gradually lead to cancer.
Effects on skin and eyes
Pollution also has a direct impact on the eyes and skin. Eye irritation, watery eyes, and allergies increase. Skin allergies, itching, and rashes become common. Constant exposure to toxic air also accelerates skin aging.
How to prevent this?
If you're in Delhi and want to protect yourself from this dangerous pollution, you need to follow certain rules. Avoid leaving the house unless absolutely necessary. Also, wear an N95 or N99 mask when leaving the house. Use an air purifier whenever possible. Also, drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. If you're experiencing any discomfort, consult a doctor immediately, as this could have serious consequences for your health.
