Last Updated:
The immune system tries to expel the pollutants by causing inflammation. But some pollutants succeed in evading the cilia and manage to reach the pulmonary air sacs. This defence mechanism may adversely affect the lungs
Particles of PM10 or less can penetrate into the lungs, causing irritation, inflammation and damaging the lining of the respiratory tract. (PTI Photo)
With Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) in the ‘severe-plus’ category and government imposing severe GRAP Stage IV measures, many Delhiites should know that they could not only be at a higher risk of respiratory but cardiac, neurological and gastric problems due to the exposure to air pollution.
Apart from vehicular and heavy machinery emissions such as nitrogen oxides and Sulphur dioxide, silica dust pollution exposure around construction sites bring short- and long-term side effects.
The major contributors to air pollution in Delhi are vehicles, which account for 19%, and stubble burning in neighbouring states of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, according to the Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management in Delhi.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says almost all of the global population breathe air that exceeds its guideline limits (PM 2.5) and contains high levels of pollutants.
How Do Lungs React When Air is Unclean?
The respiratory tract is lined with cilia or hair-like projections that move microbes and debris up and out of the airways. The cilia in the nose and bronchi trap some of the pollutants.
The immune system tries to expel them by causing inflammation. But some pollutants succeed in evading the cilia and manage to reach the pulmonary air sacs. This defence mechanism may adversely affect the lungs.
Research has indicated that these particles can enter a person’s brain, and even the placenta and the foetus in pregnant women.
What are the Health Impacts of Air Pollution?
Ambient or outdoor air pollution mostly affects everyone in low-, middle-, and high-income countries as combustion of fossil fuel is unavoidable. Household air pollution is mainly caused by the use of solid fuels (such as wood, crop wastes, charcoal, coal and dung) and kerosene in open fires and inefficient stoves.
The main pollutants are a mix of solid and liquid droplets and larger particulate matter arising from wind-blown dust, large farms and mining operations, nitrogen oxide (from gas stoves, transportation, industries), Sulphur dioxide (industries, power generation) and ozone at ground level (caused by NO2).
Ozone is a major factor in causing asthma (or making it worse), and nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide can also cause asthma, bronchial symptoms, lung inflammation and reduced lung function.
Particles of PM10 or less can penetrate into the lungs, causing irritation, inflammation and damaging the lining of the respiratory tract. The smaller the particulate matter, the more health-damaging they become. PM2.5 or less can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood system, affecting all major organs of the body, causing lung cancer and strokes.
A recent study indicates that there is a rise in lung cancer diagnoses among non-smokers in Delhi. In 1988, when 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer were due to smoking, in 2018, at least 50% lung cancer patients are non-smokers.
Long-term exposure to these pollutants can cause pre-mature death in people with heart or lung disease, decreased lung function, irregular heartbeats, chest congestion, shortness of breath, coughing, aggravated asthma, fast aging of lungs and chronic respiratory disease in children.
A Chicago study revealed the life expectancy for Indians reduced by 5.3 years, and Delhiites by 11.3 years due to air pollution. Prof (Dr) GC Khilani, chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and a member of WHO Technical Advisory Group of Global Air Pollution and Health, highlighted Italy, Germany and the US saw higher mortality due to higher levels of pollution during Covid.
How to Survive Delhi’s Air Pollution?
Limit Outdoor Activities: If possible, stay indoors, especially during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels tend to be worse. If you are going out, try to avoid strenuous activities like running or cycling, which can increase the amount of polluted air you breathe.
Use Air Purifiers: If you can afford it, buy an air purifier for your home, especially those who have elderly people and children around. Place the air purifiers in the room where you spend most amount of time. Clean the filters regularly to keep them functioning properly.
Wear a Mask: Protective masks such as N95 and N99 are some of the best options as they filter out most airborne particles, including pollutants. These masks are particularly important during peak pollution seasons, such as winter in many cities.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Healthy: Drink plenty of water to remove toxins from your body. Consume foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables in order to strengthen your immune system. Include leafy greens, citrus fruits and nuts in your diet to help protect your body.
Discover more from Divya Bharat 🇮🇳
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.