The level of air pollution in the capital Delhi-NCR has remained in the severe and very severe category for the last few months. The Air Quality Index (AQI) being 400 or more is considered harmful to health in many ways. On Tuesday (November 26), at around 6:30 am, AQI was recorded from 396 to 400 in many parts of Delhi. AQI in Rohini and Vivek Vihar was more than 430. There is a risk of both short-term and long-term side effects of such air quality.
The report of a study related to air pollution and the health problems caused by it is quite frightening. The analysis of the year 2023 by the Collaboration for Air Pollution and Health Effects Research (CAPHAR) India states that due to increasing air pollution, there has been a major increase in serious diseases and mortality among children.
In the year 2019, the highest number of deaths of children under five years of age were reported in Delhi due to outdoor air pollution. After this, the mortality rate of children was also very high in Haryana and Punjab.
The risk of death of children increased due to pollution
According to media reports, this data is based on previous research and estimation models related to mortality due to air pollution. This report has not yet been put in the public domain.
According to the report, in the year 2019 alone, pollution caused by outdoor sources and increasing PM 2.5 in the air, as well as the use of solid fuels for cooking, caused more than 16 lakh deaths in India, out of which more than 1.5 lakh deaths were of children under 14 years of age.
Air pollution has been considered the third largest risk factor for death in children under five years of age in India. Experts said children are disproportionately affected by the ill effects of air pollution. Not only this, its adverse effect can affect their entire life span.
Many states including Delhi affected.
The report states that in the year 2019, the percentage of outdoor PM2.5-related deaths increased in states like Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. At the same time, some decline was seen in Goa, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh. More than 10% of the deaths of children under the age of five in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh were associated with the use of solid fuels for cooking in homes.
Smog and pollution harmful to health
Another report on air pollution and the health risks caused by it states that due to smog and pollution, many harmful chemicals enter our bodies, which hurts our organs and their functioning.
The respiratory system is adversely affected due to the pollutant particles and harmful gases present in the smog. When we breathe in the smog, these particles enter our nose, throat, and lungs, which can cause problems like asthma, bronchitis, allergies, shortness of breath, and cough. Especially children, the elderly and people already suffering from respiratory problems are at greater risk.
What do doctors say?
Senior doctor Dr. Sanjay Tewatia says the way smog and pollution levels are being seen in the capital Delhi-NCR, due to this the risk of respiratory problems, eye infections, skin irritation, and swelling has increased and smog can also cause many physical and mental side effects. To avoid this, it is very important to take some precautions.
If you are going out of the house, then definitely wear a mask and glasses. Harmful pollutants present in the atmosphere during smog such as carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases can affect the blood circulation system. This can increase the risk of increased blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, and heart disease. Especially those people, who are already suffering from heart disease, can be more affected by smog.
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