Delhi Pollution

 

Delhi is unable to breathe! The thick grey haze that has enveloped the territory of the National Capital has left all of India concerned. The Delhi Air Quality Index recently shot up to 494, (severe). People with respiratory difficulties are being taken to hospitals, schools are closed and flights have been cancelled. In the midst of a climate emergency, Delhi is. What caused this? And how is it that Delhi residents can save themselves from pollution? Continue reading to find out.

What contributes to Delhi’s pollution?

Burning of stubble (the stalks of the crops after they are harvested) in agricultural fields is the key cause of Delhi's 'threat' rate of pollution. In Delhi's neighboring states, Punjab and Haryana, this happens extensively. The wind brings the dense smoke towards Delhi from burning stubble and worsens its air quality.

A few other factors causing pollution in Delhi are-

• Exhausts from factories.
• Emissions from Delhi’s large fleet of cars.
• Burning of wood(using wood as fuel for cooking).

Why should we be worried?

Delhi's levels of pollution are also a health emergency. Delhi's PM2.5 (pollutant particles with a radius of 2.5 micrometers) level hovers about 300 every year during November and December; the standard PM2.5 level range is 0-50.5. This places Delhi when it comes to air pollution in the 'extreme' category.

These particles enter our bloodstream directly through the lungs and cause significant damage. In Delhi, 2.2 million children have already developed some type of lung disease.

It also decreases the immunity of people and makes them prone to diabetes, heart diseases and epilepsy.

According to the World Health Organisation, almost one-third of the cases of stroke, heart disease and lung cancer in Delhi are caused by increasing levels of pollution.

What’s being done to address this health emergency?

Yes, the government is actively trying to reduce pollution. The following are a few measures taken by them:

• Re-introduced odd-even car rotational policy (15 lakh cars have been taken off the streets).
• Some factories will remain closed until the emergency passes.
• Pollution masks are being distributed.

How can people protect themselves?

We can implement the following tips to minimize your exposure to pollution:

• Always wear pollution mask when outside.
• Only go out when absolutely necessary.
• Exercise indoors.
• Take dietary supplements & immunity boosting products.

Delhi's air pollution poses a risk to all. Adopt the above precautionary steps to keep yourself safe from the adverse effects of pollution.