When the people of Delhi-NCR woke up the next morning of Diwali, smog and pollution were visible everywhere. People living in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and other areas of the national capital are facing severe air pollution. For the last few weeks, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has been continuously in the 'very poor' category. Experts had feared that it could get worse after Diwali. A similar situation was seen on Friday morning.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in Delhi's Anand Vihar area was recorded at 395 at 6 am on November 1 (Friday). Scenes like a blanket of toxic smoke were also seen in other areas of Delhi-NCR in the morning. According to reports, the air quality has worsened further due to the burning of firecrackers during Diwali amid the already polluted situation.
Health experts have cautioned everyone to avoid exposure to polluted air. This kind of environment can cause serious health problems, especially for people who already have respiratory and heart diseases.
Air pollution is dangerous for everyone.
Studies show that air pollution can increase both short-term and long-term health problems in people of all ages. Apart from respiratory problems, it is also harmful to all parts of the body. Doctors say that the polluted environment has been seen to have the greatest impact on the health of children and the elderly, although it can also be very dangerous for adults.
It has once again become necessary for all people to wear masks while going out of their homes. Apart from this, parents should take special care of some things while sending children to school. The risk of death is also seen increasing due to air pollution.
Toxic chemicals in firecracker smoke
In a conversation with Amar Ujala, respiratory disease specialist Dr Abhijat Sahay says, that every year during Diwali, the level of air pollution increases significantly. The diseases caused by it are going to increase the additional burden on the health sector.
Burning firecrackers releases many harmful air pollutants including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and small particles into the air. All of these can reach the body through the respiratory system and cause difficulty in breathing and asthma attacks. Asthma patients need to take special care of their health for the next few weeks.
More than 16 lakh deaths in 2021
According to a report by the medical journal The Lancet, 16 lakh deaths occurred in India in the year 2021 due to air pollution. Emissions from fossil fuels such as coal and liquefied natural gas have been considered the main reason for 38% of these deaths. According to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change 2024, the increasing air pollution year after year is not only increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and pregnancy problems, but it has also led to a surge in deaths globally.
Experts have found the small particles of PM 2.5 present in the air to be very dangerous, which easily enters the lungs and bloodstream through breathing.
What do experts say?
Dr Abhijat says the air quality may remain very poor for the next few days. The number of patients with respiratory problems in OPD has increased in the last month, its cases may increase further now. Asthma and respiratory problems can increase due to firecracker smoke, so people who have respiratory diseases should always keep an inhaler with them.
The best way to protect yourself from air pollution is to wear a mask. Wear a mask while going out and avoid going to crowded places. This is necessary for all people. If you have any respiratory problems, contact your doctor immediately, this is an emergency.
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