Even before Diwali, the air quality of the capital Delhi-NCR has started deteriorating. On Friday, the level of air pollution in Delhi was recorded at 'poor' level. According to reports, the Air Quality Index (AQI) here has crossed 300, which is considered harmful for health in many ways. Earlier on Thursday also, AQI remained at 'very poor' level in many areas. Health experts have appealed to all people to continue taking precautions regarding the deteriorating AQI even before the onset of winter.
It is worth noting that due to burning of stubble in neighboring states and smoke from firecrackers, the air quality in Delhi has been recorded from poor to very poor level every year during Diwali and for a few months thereafter. In studies, health experts advise all people to keep protecting themselves from pollution. Air pollution can have negative effects on health both in short-term and long-term ways.
Particularly, microscopic particles such as particulate matter (PM) 2.5 present in polluted air have been found to pose a serious threat to health.
PM 2.5 can cause many serious diseases
The International Agency for Research on Cancer said in a report that people exposed to PM2.5 may be at higher risk of many types of cancer. A global review found that its long-term exposure can affect every part of the body. Apart from this, it can also complicate pre-existing health conditions.
Children and the elderly are most at risk of adverse effects on their health due to exposure to air pollution. Air pollution can cause serious damage to many organs including lungs, heart and nerves, along with congenital health complications.
WHO warned
The World Health Organization (WHO) said in its report that air pollution increases the risk of death from all causes as well as specific diseases manifold. Due to constant exposure to air pollution, the risk of health problems such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pneumonia and cataract increases.
Apart from this, it has also been seen to have adverse effects on pregnancy in many ways. Due to exposure to pollution, there can also be a risk of low or high birth weight, premature birth of the baby.
It can have a serious effect on brain health
Air pollution has been seen to seriously damage your brain. Studies have shown that there is a risk of structural changes in the brain due to air pollution. Along with affecting the development of nerves in children, it has also been found to cause inflammation in the brain. Such conditions are considered to be the main cause of diseases like Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Poor air quality can also cause amnesia, lack of concentration and cognitive decline.
Increases the risk of heart diseases
Another side effect of increasing air pollution has also been seen on heart health. Small particles present in the air like PM 2.5 also pose a risk of negative impact on your heart health. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and damage blood vessels and the heart. Some studies have found that long-term exposure to such a polluted environment increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and death from heart diseases manifold.
Expressing concern over the increasing risks of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, health experts have advised all people to continue taking precautions.
(PC: Freepik)
