Pollution level increases in Delhi Image Credit Source: PTI PHOTOS
The air quality in and around the country’s capital Delhi is continually deteriorating. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in Delhi has moved into the severe category. The AQI has exceeded 400. This increase in pollution is considered very dangerous for health. Experts say that this type of pollution damages almost all the body’s organs. For people who already suffer from respiratory diseases, their problems increase significantly this season. Pollution can also kill elderly people and heart patients.
Experts say that when the AQI exceeds 400, it causes respiratory diseases. These include the risk of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. Pneumonia occurs in young children and can be fatal. The increasing pollution also affects the heart. Small particles present in pollution also reach the blood through breath. These begin to build up in the veins surrounding the heart and cause a blockage there. This can cause a heart attack. Some air pollutants, such as particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can cause cancer. Due to this there is a risk of lung cancer.
Increased pollution is dangerous for these people
Professor Dr. G., Former Head of Defense, Department of Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Delhi AIIMS. C Khilnani An AQI over 400 is said to be very dangerous. Breathing this air is like smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day. Pollution has a serious impact on patients with respiratory diseases, the elderly and pregnant women. In such a situation, these people should protect themselves from contamination. Because pollution can further aggravate chronic diseases in older people.
If someone already has heart disease, their problem may increase. Likewise, this season the problems of patients suffering from respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma also increase significantly. This pollution can trigger asthma and cause asthma attacks. Similarly, with increasing pollution and winter, cases of heart attacks are also increasing significantly. In such a situation, people are advised to protect themselves from pollution and monitor their health regularly.
How to protect yourself against increasing pollution
wear a mask before going out
Avoid exercising outdoors
Don’t go to high traffic areas.
If you have respiratory illnesses, carry your medications with you.
watch your diet
