Air quality deteriorates, health risks escalate in Delhi

New Delhi: Thickly populated metropolitan regions like Delhi NCR face a severe air pollution crisis in winter. The drop in temperature causes pollutants to accumulate closer to the ground, leading to deteriorated air quality that poses significant health risks. The rising levels of air contaminants affect human health, particularly the respiratory system. High air pollution levels irritate the eyes and skin but are particularly hazardous to the lungs as well.

Pollutants in the air, such as carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and ozone, enter the respiratory tract, causing various health problems. In the upper respiratory system, pollutants irritate the nose and throat, leading to coughing, throat pain, nasal congestion, sneezing, and excessive sputum production. These symptoms can be particularly annoying. In the lower respiratory tract, pollutants cause congestion and muscular spasms in the bronchial tubes, resulting in chest tightness, pain, and breathing difficulties. People with asthma, bronchitis, or other lung diseases suffer the most. The polluted air worsens their conditions, putting them at greater risk of severe health complications.

The deteriorating air quality in Delhi has long posed a significant health risk, making individual actions crucial in combating its effects,” said Dr. S.P. Rai, Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. “Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution not only leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases but can also contribute to mental health challenges over time,” he added.

Dr. Ravi Dosi, Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore, highlighted the similarity between the effects of air pollution and known carcinogens. “The impact of air pollution on the lungs is comparable to that caused by smoking tobacco, cigarettes, or even hookah,” he stated.PM 2.5 are harmful particles that are found in the air; they can penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing the chance of lung cancer and other health problems. Dr. Prabhu Prasad, N.C. Head of Interventional Pulmonology at Manipal Hospital, Goa, said. Air pollution can be dangerous for anyone, but children, senior citizens, and pregnant women are most vulnerable, as are those with pre-existing lung ailments.

Dr. Rai emphasized that respiratory disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are significantly impacted by air pollution. “COPD, a progressive disease causing persistent breathlessness, worsens with exposure to pollutants and toxic emissions. It is a debilitating condition often linked to long-term exposure to environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke and particulate matter,” he said.

Detrimental for newborns

Newborns, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable to air pollution. For pregnant women, polluted air can harm fetal growth and development. People with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or cardiac illnesses are also at risk. Restricting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, typically early morning and late evening, is advisable.

Indoor pollution is another concern during the winter. Particulate matter from cooking, heating, or burning biofuels can harm respiratory health. However, this can be mitigated by using natural air-purifying plants or mechanical air purifiers.

Air pollution is a significant threat to global health, causing more than 6.5 million deaths annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to ambient (outdoor) air pollution leads to 4.2 million deaths each year. While some natural sources contribute to urban air pollution, most pollutants are anthropogenic, arising from human activities like burning fossil fuels. Long-term exposure to air pollution causes oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, increasing the risk of chronic diseases and cancer. In 2013, the WHO classified air pollution as a human poison. Prolonged exposure to benzene, a component of gasoline, is linked to leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Studies have connected lung cancer incidence to coal-based energy generation. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) increases the risk of colorectal and prostate cancers.

PM2.5 impairs blood vessel function and accelerates arterial calcification. Nitrogen oxides can increase the risk of hemorrhagic strokes, particularly in post-menopausal women. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) lowers good cholesterol levels, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Pregnant women exposed to TRAP are at higher risk for hypertensive disorders, leading to complications like pre-term birth and low birth weight.

Air pollution disrupts lung development and contributes to respiratory diseases like emphysema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Urbanization and outdoor air pollution are linked to increased asthma prevalence, especially in children from low-income urban areas. Long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 is associated with chronic bronchitis. Wildfire smoke, containing harmful pollutants, exacerbated the severity of COVID-19 cases during the 2020 pandemic.

Government’s efforts

Governments are taking measures to curb air pollution, including monitoring vehicle emissions. Phasing out low-quality fuels. Imposing higher taxes on diesel vehicles. These efforts aim to reduce pollution levels, especially during peak hours when traffic emissions are highest. The retirement of coal-powered plants has also shown a significant decrease in mortality rates associated with PM2.5 exposure.

While government actions are essential, individuals can also take steps to reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. Opt for indoor exercises or schedule outdoor activities during the afternoon when air quality improves.

Invest in mechanical air purifiers or natural air-purifying plants to reduce indoor pollution. High-quality masks can reduce the inhalation of particulate matter. Flu vaccinations can help prevent respiratory tract infections aggravated by winter pollution.

Air pollution not only affects human health but also impacts the environment and climate. The accumulation of greenhouse gases contributes to global warming, leading to extreme weather events. Reducing air pollution requires collective efforts from governments, industries, and individuals. Research shows that implementing air pollution regulations and transitioning to cleaner energy sources can significantly improve air quality and public health. For instance, reducing reliance on coal has halved mortality risks associated with PM2.5 exposure.

Air pollution is a critical environmental and health issue, especially in metropolitan regions like Delhi, NCR. With winter approaching, the concentration of pollutants in the air is expected to rise, worsening health problems, particularly for vulnerable groups. By adopting preventive measures, reducing biofuel combustion, and promoting cleaner energy sources, we can mitigate the impact of air pollution. It is a shared responsibility to ensure cleaner air for healthier lives and a sustainable future.

By Vijay Shukla

Journalist