The situation created in the capital Delhi-NCR due to air pollution since the beginning of November is being considered very harmful to health. Health experts advise all people to be extremely careful during these days, especially those who already have respiratory diseases or chronic diseases, as this environment can trigger their complications. On Sunday, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at around 480, although it remains above 500 in many parts of NCR.
Health experts say that the way Delhi's air is becoming suffocating before Diwali is a matter of serious concern. It can have negative effects on the health of everyone from children to the elderly. Given the increasing concerns due to pollution, the government has imposed some restrictions.
Health experts say that the next 15-20 days are very challenging, in which there is a need to be careful.
Situations like mini-lockdown given side effects
Given the adverse effects caused by the level of air pollution in the national capital, State Education Minister Atishi said on Sunday that primary schools in Delhi will remain closed till November 10. For classes 6-12, schools have been given the option to conduct studies through online mediums. Earlier on Friday, after the pollution level reached the 'severe' category, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a holiday in all government and private schools in the national capital.
Health experts say, given the worsening weather conditions, all people need to continue following the mini-lockdown as a precautionary measure.
What is mini-lockdown?
In conversation with Amar Ujala, Dr. N.R., a specialist in respiratory diseases at a private hospital in Noida. Sahay says pollution is harmful for all people, even if you do not have any problem already, it is important to continue taking precautions. An increase is also being seen in the number of new patients suffering from respiratory problems due to exposure to air pollution. We need to continue following the 'mini-lockdown' ourselves.
For this, stay indoors during the day, and keep doors and windows closed to prevent pollutants from entering the house. If there is a need to go out, then wear a mask, so that polluted air can be prevented from entering the body.
Pollution is harmful from fetus to children
Dr. Sahay says adverse effects of air pollution are being seen in people of all age groups. You may be surprised that increasing pollution can also affect the health of the unborn child. When toxins enter the lungs through a pregnant woman's breath, they can reach the placenta and fetus through the blood. Apart from affecting the development of children, it can also cause many types of congenital health problems in them.
Impact on children's health
The harm caused to the body by air with an AQI of 450-500 is equivalent to smoking 25-30 cigarettes, which can increase breathing problems in them. Air pollution can cause low birth weight, asthma in children, reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and allergies. Recently, cases of children with respiratory problems have increased in OPD.
Since pollution can also cause chronic diseases, parents should take measures seriously to protect children from pollution.
(PC: Freepik)
