Ultrafine dust in New Delhi, India, 65 times higher than the WHO level
There are cities that suffer from air pollution so bad that it causes thousands of premature deaths every year. New Delhi, the capital of India. A decline in air quality was also seen from late autumn to winter this year.
According to IQAIR, a Swiss air quality analysis company, on the morning of the 18th local time, the level of very fine dust (PM2.5) in New Delhi increased to 907㎍/㎥, the worst level this year, AFP news agency reported it. today At one observation station in New Delhi, the PM2.5 level was recorded at 1,117 ㎍ / ㎥, which was 74 times higher than the recommended 24-hour limit (15 ㎍ / ㎥) a set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Citizens walk along a smog-covered street in New Delhi, India, on the 18th. The symbol of New Delhi, the Gateway of India, is prominent in the background. AFP Yonhap News
On the 19th, the air quality index (AQI) rose to 515. Internationally, if the AQI is higher than 300, it passes the ‘very harmful’ level and is marked as ‘dangerous’. On the same day, the AQI in Seoul, Korea was 55, ranking 59th among cities around the world.
The air of New Delhi is usually covered with polluted air from mid-October to January of the following year. The main causes include crop residues and municipal waste incineration in the surrounding states of Haryana and Punjab, automobile and factory emissions, and basin topography.
Sanjay Goel, who runs a store in New Delhi, told the Associated Press, “Many people are suffering from sore throat,” and added, “They (authorities) should ban the burning of crop waste.” . The AP reported that articles on social media described New Delhi as “the apocalypse has arrived” or as a “gas chamber”.
Therefore, local authorities decided to switch school classes for students, with the exception of some grades, to online. Children, the elderly, and patients with lung and heart disease have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible.
As the atmospheric conditions worsened, the Indian government ordered the closure of all schools in New Delhi and construction work was halted. Elderly and frail people as well as the general public have been advised to refrain from outdoor activities. However, citizens and poor people who cannot leave the streets have to endure the polluted air.
The Delhi area was covered in thick smog on the 5th. Yonhap EPA news data
AFP reported that the Indian government is being criticized for not finding a practical solution to the problem of ultrafine dust, which causes thousands of premature deaths every year.
Meanwhile, several reasons are given for pollution in Delhi and northern India. Some speculate that this is due to a combination of smog from farmers in Delhi and the surrounding granary states of Punjab and Haryana burning agricultural waste, car exhaust fumes, and dust clouding the air. cold Therefore, Diwali, the biggest holiday for Hindus, was celebrated as a public holiday on the 31st of the last month this year. For several days after the Diwali holiday, people in Delhi and the surrounding areas burst illegal firecrackers while enjoying the festival while the air quality was already very bad.
Reporter Kim Hyun-jeong [email protected]
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2024-11-19 10:21:00
Can lead to a range of health issues, from chronic respiratory diseases to cardiovascular problems. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, and there has been an increase in hospital admissions related to respiratory distress during peak pollution periods. Moreover, long-term exposure can lead to reduced lung function and a higher risk of developing serious health conditions.
Host: Good morning guests. Today we’re discussing the escalating concerns over air pollution in New Delhi, India, and how it affects the health and well-being of its citizens. Our first question is: How serious is the situation in New Delhi regarding this issue?
Guest A: The situation in New Delhi is alarming. The level of very fine dust particles (PM2.5) was recorded at 74 times higher than the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization, which poses a serious threat to citizens’ health. The air quality index is also ranking very high on the ‘very harmful’ scale, causing respiratory problems and discomfort among the population. The government has taken some measures, like closing schools and halting construction activities, but it’s not enough to solve the root cause of the problem.
Guest B: Indeed, the situation is quite severe. The thick smog covering the city has led to widespread complaints from citizens, who describe living in a “gas chamber.” While authorities recognize the need for action, they face challenges like poor infrastructure and a lack of political will. Additionally, the issue becomes more complicated during festive seasons like Diwali, when people disregard air quality regulations and contribute further to the pollution.
Host: That’s interesting. Can you elaborate on the causes behind this severe air pollution in New Delhi?
Guest A: Several factors are at play. The burning of agricultural waste in surrounding states like Haryana and Punjab, along with automobile and factory emissions, add to the basin topography that traps pollutants in the city. The lack of proper waste management systems also contributes to this problem.
Guest B: Many argue that the government isn’t doing enough to tackle the issue. While they acknowledge that farmers burning crop residues contribute to the problem, there are other factors like weather conditions, traffic congestion, and industrial emissions. In addition, the government’s approach to addressing the issue seems reactive rather than proactive, as they’re criticized for not implementing long-term solutions.
Host: It’s clear that citizens are suffering from this pollution, but how is it impacting their health?
Guest A: Studies show that breathing highly polluted air
