Air pollution reached a level more than 60 times higher than the maximum threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday in the Indian capital New Delhi, according to measurements taken by the company IQAir.
The concentration of PM2.5 microparticles (the most dangerous because they diffuse directly into the blood) was measured in the morning at 907 micrograms per cubic meter of air in certain points of the megacity of 30 million inhabitants, according to these measurements .
The city is confronted every winter with peaks in pollution caused by toxic fumes from factories and road traffic, to which are added at this time of year those from seasonal agricultural burning.
Local authorities triggered level 4 of their alert plan on Sunday evening “in order to prevent further deterioration of air quality”.
Most schools in the area remained closed on Monday, traffic restrictions were tightened and the use of teleworking is strongly recommended, until further notice.
According to the WHO, air pollution can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as lung cancer.
A study published last June established that air pollution was responsible for 11.5% of mortality in Delhi, or 12,000 deaths per year.
What measures can individuals take to protect their health from the effects of air pollution in cities like New Delhi?
Thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview about the alarming air pollution levels in New Delhi. Could you please introduce yourselves and provide your expertise on the topic of air quality and its impact on human health?
Expert 1: My name is Dr. Anurag Agrawal, and I am a Respiratory Specialist at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. I have been studying and working on air pollution-related health issues for over a decade now.
Expert 2: I am Rijul Singh, representing IQAir, a leading air quality measurement company. We have been monitoring air quality in various cities globally, and our recent reports on New Delhi’s air quality have shown alarming results.
Section 1: Causes and Consequences of Air Pollution in New Delhi
Host: Could you please explain the causes of such high levels of air pollution in New Delhi, and its impact on public health?
Expert 1: The primary cause of air pollution in New Delhi is a combination of toxic fumes from industries, vehicular emissions, and crop burning in neighboring states. These pollutants, particularly PM2.5 microparticles, can penetrate deep into the lungs, bloodstream, and cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. The WHO recommends that PM2.5 levels should not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter, but we’ve seen levels that are 60 times higher than that. Air pollution is associated with a range of health problems, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even premature death.
Expert 2: That’s correct, Dr. Agrawal. In addition to the sources you mentioned, dust storms from nearby areas can also contribute to the pollution. The situation becomes worse during winter months because of the temperature inversions, which trap pollutants close to the ground. This leads to an accumulation of pollutants over time, causing a public health emergency like the one we’re witnessing today.
Host: What can be done to mitigate the impact of air pollution on human health, particularly in cities like New Delhi?
Expert 1:
