Login

Severe Air Quality: Tight Blanket of Pollution Gripping Delhi

Severe Air Quality: Tight Blanket of Pollution Gripping Delhi

It has been seen that in different cities located in urban India, the metropolitan cities have been considered as major hotspots of the air pollution. Affecting Health and providing Justice to:  “When Breathing...

It has been seen that in different cities located in urban India, the metropolitan cities have been considered as major hotspots of the air pollution.

Affecting Health and providing Justice to:  “When Breathing Kills”

The values have reached a PM 2.5 concentration level and it has been ranging above its stated permissible limits (as defined by WHO)

Air quality in Delhi (as defined by the AQI or the Air Quality Index), in the capital territory of India, slowing turning into a “Smoke Chamber”

Based on a WHO survey which was conducted in 1,650 world cities, along with a survey of the 7,000 world cities by US-based Health Effects Institute in the month of August 2022

It turns out that Delhi has the worst Air Quality of any major city in the world. It also affects the districts based around Delhi as well, which is equivalent to smoking 34 cigarettes a day.

In an estimate, India has world's highest death rate from any chronic respiratory diseases including asthma, according to WHO. 

Moreover, In Delhi, the poor quality air is seen to irreversibly damage lungs of about 2.2 million and 50 percent of children.

Causes of Air Pollution

Causes of Air Pollution

The toxic air pollution level in and around Delhi-NCR has been creating a havoc nowadays.

The reasons are plenty; some of them are as follows:

  1. Crop Burning: The Crops are being burned by farmers in States of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Every year rice stubbles are burned in Punjab, in Haryana and in Uttar Pradesh. Around 35 million of the crops are set on fire at that time.
    These pollutants get trapped in the air with dust particles which is then carried by the air.
  2. Increased Traffic in Delhi: The pollution that is contributed by traffic in Delhi leads to Smog- combination of Smoke and Fog. This vehicular emission is considered to be hazardous in nature with ‘Severe’ AQI
    Moreover, the CPCB and NEERI Institutes have stated emission from vehicles as a major cause of Delhi Pollution.
  3. Winter Season Winds: The dust in winters are stagnant in nature, the pollutants here get trapped in the air, further leading to Smog.
  4. Overpopulation: Increased population of individuals leads to increased pollution levels in the capital of India
  5. Increased Construction: Large-scale construction increases dust and air pollution, especially considering the low air quality.
  6. Pollution caused by dump from Industries and garbage.
  7. Firecrackers: With approaching major festivities in Delhi region, even though Firecrackers are not the sole reason for this smog, could be considered as a contributor if it is used extensively in the upcoming celebrations.

Effects of Air Pollution

Effects of Air Pollution

Most Individuals have been feeling a Choking Sensation while inhaling the severely polluted air of Delhi.

This smoke is present with both coarse and fine (PM2.5 and PM10) particulate matter.

This can be divided into Short Term and Long Term Effects:

Short Term Effects:

Long Term Effects:

Ailments affecting the individual, such as:

There have been International Studies linking Pollution levels to the following:

  • Dementia
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Joint Disorders
  • Adverse health results in Pregnant Women
  • Worsening Health in Children 

What is AQI? How does it Work?

“Real-time air quality in New Delhi has been recorded as 454 (SEVERE) AQI on 7th November, 2023 “

AQI is Air Quality Index: Each pollutant comes with an AQI value.

The AQI values that are present at or even below the 100 level mark are thought of as satisfactory in nature. 

When AQI values are above the level of 100 level mark, air quality is considered to be unhealthy.

AQI is generally divided into six known categories. Each of these categories corresponds to a different level of the health concern. Each of these categories also has a specific color. This color helps to determine whether this air quality is unhealthy levels in different communities.

The Onset of Winter has worsened the air quality, especially in Delhi, as it reaches the tiny airway and circulating in the bloodstream- severely affecting the heart, Brain and Lungs.

Relevance of Diagnostic Tests in Delhi

It has been seen that the Long-term exposure of the air pollution has been linked to increase in the hospital procedures for the individuals with Heart Failure.

Moreover, further testing conducted for such diagnosis is as follows:

The System specific tests at Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Center are as follows: 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: 

Characterized by racing heartbeat and palpitations, along with chest pain and discomfort.

Due to electrical disturbances in Heart causes Cardiac Arrest

Brain Stroke:

When Blood Supply gets interrupted in the Brain. It is a medical Emergency.

Respiratory Ailments:

Such as Bronchitis, Asthma, COPD etc

  • Spirometry
  • Peak Flow Meter
  • FeNo test
  • Provocation tests
  • Other Lung Function tests
  • Chest X-ray 
  • MRI Chest

Steps To Reduce Pollution in Delhi

Steps To Reduce Pollution in Delhi

  1. DPCC has been taking steps to reduce the  pollution levels in hotspots by the following measures
    • Implementing  stricter emission standards for the on road vehicles ( including the odd even rule from 13th November)  Enforcing the  dust control measures for the construction sites
    • Promoting use of  the cleaner fuels from industries 
    • Improving the road infrastructure to further reduce any road congestion.
  2. Apart from that, there have been complete ban  BS 3 Petrol and BS 4 and diesel cars
  3. School will remain shut except for 10th and 12th 

Individual Steps to Win the Battle Against Pollution

  1. Lifestyle Management
  2. Monitor Air Quality
  3. Wear Smog Filter Masks
  4. Remain Indoor During Peak Pollution Time
  5. Ensure Proper Ventilation
  6. Stay Hydrated
  7. Make Mindful Dietary Choices

To Seek Free Consultation From The Doctor:

Contact: Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD In Radiology)
Available:  24*7*365
Phone Number: +919212125996

Why Should Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre Be Your Preference for Pollution Related Disease Tests in Delhi-Ncr Region?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, is known for setting Gold standards in excellent service and care to the patients for decades. It is known to be an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.

Our excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations. 

We provide Free Home Sample Collection and Free Ambulance Service.

The Test report is available digitally too.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.

The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price. 

The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests. 

Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.

Tests Conducted at Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Center

References

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Which air is considered harmful?

The toxic, hazardous, the air pollutants are the substances that would cause or are suspected to cause cancer, maybe birth defects, or serious harms. 

Due to gases such as: hydrogen chloride, benzene, toluene or the compounds and metals such as the asbestos, cadmium, mercury along with chromium. 

How harmful is Delhi air?

The Air quality across the Delhi continues to be in 'Severe' category.  The Air quality in Delhi continues in ‘Severe' category according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

How can we stay away from pollution?

Stay away from traffic. Keep the car windows closed in case of driving, in slow moving traffic.

What is the conclusion of air pollution in Delhi?

Impact of the particulate matter on the total non-trauma deaths in the Delhi was lesser than the death associated with the air pollution in Delhi caused more life-years to be lost with around 10-12 years from individual’s life.