As AQI levels shoot up and remain dangerously toxic, experts and doctors raise valid concerns and worries about the very air we breathe. (Image: Instagram)
Breathe this! Delhi’s alarming AQI levels have reached a fuming 484 despite control measures in place, from bans on truck entries to suspension of construction projects. While Delhi has long been infamous and notoriously known for its high pollution levels, the present situation only adds a feather to its hat! Not just Delhi, other cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata too, seem to be worse affected. As per recent AQI readings, the National capital’s air quality has witnessed tweaks from a “Very Poor” to “Severe” only to further have leapt even into the “Hazardous” zone.
Weathermen Speak
Rushikesh Agre, a Certified Meteorologist from Harvard University steps in to share similar insights. Rushikesh, a well-known name among his social media followers, has been an apt weather predictor for quite a while now. He says, “The AQI of Delhi is highly concerning as many areas have also reported levels exceeding 1000,” He continues, “Mumbai’s AQI is relatively between 100 and 200 with Hyderabad exhibiting similar conditions”
However, Rushikesh believes Mumbai has a slightly added benefit of air ventilation that helps it a bit in maintaining relatively better air quality. The meteorologist (weatherman) in Rushikesh speaks further, explaining the entire phenomenon from a meteorological perspective.
However, Rushikesh believes Mumbai has a slightly added benefit of air ventilation that helps it a bit in maintaining relatively better air quality. The meteorologist (weatherman) in Rushikesh speaks further, explaining the entire phenomenon from a meteorological perspective.
Breathe Easy
Here are some tips by Dr Pallavi Periwal
• Limit outdoor activity to just essential work
• Avoid going out during peak traffic hours
• Avoid outdoor exercise and walk
• Keep windows closed at home and in cars while driving
• If suffering from respiratory ailments, please be regular with your medication
• Avoid going out during peak traffic hours
• Avoid outdoor exercise and walk
• Keep windows closed at home and in cars while driving
• If suffering from respiratory ailments, please be regular with your medication
• Don't smoke
"The adverse effects of smog vary from subclinical effects such as irritation in the trachea to long-term genetic mutations and premature deaths.” — Dr. Pallavi Periwal, Consultant International Pulmonologist and Critical Care Physician from AANCH Hospital, Jaipur
Stating that such a situation usually arises due to the absence of ‘western disturbances’ over North India, this situation tastes a bit of relief if and
when its nearby region receives rainfall. Rushikesh says, “This year due to specific atmospheric conditions we haven’t experienced such rainfall yet leading to the worsening of the situation we now face.”
Health Cries
It isn’t just the air that seems to have been hit, but breathing difficulties too, popping their heads. Dr Pallavi Periwal, Consultant International Pulmonologist and Critical Care Physician from AANCH Hospital, Jaipur says, “Condi-tions like this account for a variety of breathing difficulties and chronic cough.”
when its nearby region receives rainfall. Rushikesh says, “This year due to specific atmospheric conditions we haven’t experienced such rainfall yet leading to the worsening of the situation we now face.”
Health Cries
It isn’t just the air that seems to have been hit, but breathing difficulties too, popping their heads. Dr Pallavi Periwal, Consultant International Pulmonologist and Critical Care Physician from AANCH Hospital, Jaipur says, “Condi-tions like this account for a variety of breathing difficulties and chronic cough.”
Not just adults but children too, seem to get trapped in its obnoxious claws with respiratory problems. Dr Pallavi speaks of how smog worsens it all up. She says, “The adverse effects of smog vary from subclinical effects such as irritation in the trachea to long-term genetic mutations and premature deaths”
Adding further, “Other major diseases harboured by smog are asthma, bronchiolitis, coronary artery diseases, arrhythmia to name a few.” Dr Pallavi also cautions that for those with asthma, the present situation with a poor AQI across cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi could worsen bronchial or lung inflammation conditions.
There could be uncontrollable lung irritation that may lead to watering of the eyes, chronic cough, wheezing or chest discomfort.
Troubled Voices
Speaking of the choking conditions in Delhi, Madhu Naik, a student of MSW, Delhi School of Social Work says, “As a student balancing work along with studies and now AQI further hitting only affects productivity and overall health conditions.”
Madhu shares that such taxing situations make it a task in itself to venture out into the field for work or simply to commute from one place to another. He says, “It feels just so very taxing, and staying indoors does not seem to always provide any sort of refuge from poor AQI levels.”
Adding disappointingly, “Using masks and air purifiers has been a routine part of life, though they don't completely address the discomfort.” Given the extreme ill effects created by such alarming AQI levels, having oneself better apt is the only way out. Dr Pallavi shares, “Several studies show that nutrients such as vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and D along with Omega-3 PUFA (from fish oil) have protective effects against the damage induced by particulate matter.”
She suggests that having a diet rich in antioxidants, essential micronutrients and other anti-inflammatory nutrients like green-leafy veggies or fruits such as lemon, berries, oranges or seeds too could help deal with the oxidative damage and inflammation caused by the air pollution rising across cities.
Mask-Up
Many of the cities experiencing such aggravating conditions perhaps need to ‘undo’ rather than over-do certain practices. Rushikesh wisely says, “Small Actions, Big Impact”
He shares how it’s time that citizens get together and put up a collective effort to improve the AQI levels by perhaps reducing waste burning, planting more trees or simply adopting clean energy or green initiatives.
He adds, “Over 50% of the pollution in some of these cities can be reduced with active citizen involvement showing quite staggeringly that every action counts!”. The air quality crisis prevalent in cities today is a complex issue that requires speedy yet sustained actions. Perhaps, the winter season up ahead has a lot in store
for millions of residents if collective, cleaner, and healthier alternatives don't come on board!
He adds, “Over 50% of the pollution in some of these cities can be reduced with active citizen involvement showing quite staggeringly that every action counts!”. The air quality crisis prevalent in cities today is a complex issue that requires speedy yet sustained actions. Perhaps, the winter season up ahead has a lot in store
for millions of residents if collective, cleaner, and healthier alternatives don't come on board!
"This year due to specific atmospheric conditions we haven’t experienced such rainfall yet leading to the worst hit situation we now face.” — Rushikesh Agre, Meteorologist, Harvard University
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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