As the air quality in Delhi depletes to an alarmingly dangerous level this week, it poses serious health risks to the children, elderly, and those with certain medical conditions.
Air pollutants in the air are a mixture of industrial pollutants, vehicle emissions, construction dust, and crackers which mix with fog to form a dense layer in the atmosphere called smog.
Air quality in Delhi continues to be in the ‘very poor’ category, even after a slight improvement in the level of pollution was recorded after the rain yesterday. Particulate matter levels are, in some places, more than ten times the safe limits.
In India, every year, air pollution causes 1.24 million deaths. In Indian cities, most of the year, the average concentration of particulate matter (PM) exceeds the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards.
In a special report, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said almost all pollutants reported higher values on Diwali day this year as compared to 2019.
According to SAFAR estimates updated at 6 am, most of the areas in the national capital including Delhi University, Pusa Road, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, IIT-Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal-3), and Ayanagar recorded air quality in the ‘severe’ category with an AQI of 542, 519, 494, 508, 470, 432 and 467 respectively.
Delhi pollution levels have become so high that citizens need to follow the prevention steps urgently. Air pollution can trigger the risk of respiratory ailments like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
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Here are some expert-recommended tips you can follow by Dr. Rajesh Chawla, senior pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Delhi.
Here are some easy things to do to survive the smog–
- Wear A Mask– Wearing a face mask is the most effective way of keeping yourself safe from the impact of pollution particulate matters as well as Covid-19. N95 masks, which give dual protection, will help prevent tiny harmful toxic particles present in the air to diffuse into your respiratory system. It will also protect you from Covid-19.
- Maintain frequent ventilation- As people are spending most of their time indoors with the current Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures, exposure to indoor pollution becomes a major health concern.
- Immunity rich diet– Boosting immunity can help you naturally fight the harmful effects of pollutants. Eat healthily and avoid oily and fatty foods. Eat healthily during the festive season, avoid drinking cold drinks as these can create additional levels of stress in your body which is already dealing with the harmful effects of smog.
- Avoid Heavy Exercises In Open– Avoid outdoor activities and exercises for some days; try doing a workout, cardio sessions indoors. Practicing breathing exercises, and yoga asanas can help you cleanse your lungs and stay fit from inside.
- Air Pollutants– Check daily air pollution forecasts in your area. The forecasts can let you know when the air is unhealthy in your community.
Ways To Boost Lungs’ Immunity
- Pranayama- Pranayama will definitely help you stay relaxed and calm. It is extremely beneficial for the lungs, boosting lung capacity.
- Avoid Inflammatory Foods- Foods that increase mucus in the body should be avoided to keep the lung healthy. Natural and abundant antioxidants such as Amla, help in reducing stress. It should be consumed more often.
- Steam Inhalation– Steam inhalation will help you get rid of all sorts of respiratory issues by effectively reducing nasal congestion and clearing mucus out of your lungs.
