How Does Air Pollution Affect Your Health?
Nowadays, air pollution is prevalent and causing major distress to people. The pollutants and other harmful gases present in the air have made it difficult to breathe fresh air.
Everywhere, you will only find the thick haze surrounding you with minimum visibility. Smog rising from the city and layers of pollutants have made the air a kind of gas chamber, where inhaling fresh air has become a challenging task and almost impossible.
Not just outside but at home too, the air quality is not so apt and that’s why people are facing critical health issues these days.
According to one study, the life expectancy rate for males has reached around 65.8 years, and for females, it has reached approximately 68.9 years.
This is happening due to an invisible enemy: air pollution. People are struggling to travel on public transportation as they get exposed to the contaminated air. Also, people who travel by two-wheelers are becoming easy targets for the poisonous environment.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the air quality index reported above the mark of “450” in the past one week shows the critical condition of air flowing over several locations in and around the Delhi NCR region.
SAFAR India (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) also reported that the overall air quality is severe and not at all good for breathing or a healthy lifestyle for the locals.
If we look at the report given by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), the AQI has increased by over 200 points compared to the AQI reported in previous weeks.
Taking cognizance of the worse air quality, Delhi government CM Arvind Kejriwal chaired a meeting along with Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai and other chief officials of concerned departments such as MCD, Delhi Traffic Police, Transport, and Delhi Police.
In the meeting, several points were discussed to curtail the ongoing crisis of air pollution, but most of the discussion revolved around the implementation of the odd-even scheme. If the scheme is rolled out by the government, then this will be the fourth time since its formulation.
What is the Air Quality Index?
The Air Quality Index (also known as AQI) is a scale of 0 to 500 that measures the air quality. with “O” or “less than 50” is considered healthy air, and an AQI crossing the 100 mark is considered poor.
Air quality becomes unhealthy for AQI above the 200 mark, severe for AQI crossing the 300 mark, and hazardous for AQI reporting above the 400 mark and reaching up to 500.
AQI is used to mark the air quality level on a scale of 0-500. Hence AQI value directly depends on the level of air pollution, whether it is occurring due to natural causes or some man-made activities.
What Causes the Air Pollution?
There are several factors that cause air pollution. When the level of dust particles and other harmful particles increases in the air, it deteriorates the air quality, and this is what we consider “air pollution”.
While breathing, these particles are inhaled by people and cause many health issues. In the long run, these particles shorten the lifespan by almost a decade, meaning 10 years less than usual.
Here are the main causes of air pollution:
War Situation: The constant bombardment of gunpowder in the form of missiles and lethal rockets through air strikes and land-bound weapons and vehicles instantly releases the lethal gases in the atmosphere and causes the smog cloud.
Firecrackers: Firecrackers are micro-scale products made from gunpowder. And as we know, gunpowder, after firing, immediately releases harmful gases into the atmosphere and hence causes the situation of a gas chamber.
Stubble Burning: Farmers in India usually burn the remaining of their harvested crops to make it ready for the next crop. And this practice is followed in many states especially in Haryana, Punjab and nearby states. The burning straw contributes significantly to the growth of air pollution.
Emissions from Vehicles: The combustion of fossil fuels in cars, trucks, and other vehicles releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter into the air. These pollutants contribute to smog and health problems.
Industrial Processes: Factories and industrial facilities emit various pollutants, including sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and VOCs. These emissions can result from processes like manufacturing, energy production, and chemical production.
Power Plants: Fossil fuel-fired power plants, such as coal and natural gas plants, release pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. These emissions can lead to both air quality and climate issues.
Agricultural Activities: Agriculture contributes to air pollution through the release of ammonia (NH3) from livestock and nitrogen oxides from the use of synthetic fertilisers. Pesticides and herbicides can also release VOCs into the air.
Deforestation and Land Use Changes: When forests are cleared or land is developed, it can lead to increased levels of particulate matter in the air, as well as a reduction in the planet’s natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Waste and Landfills: The decomposition of organic waste in landfills generates methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas. Landfills can also release odorous VOCs and other pollutants into the air.
Household Sources: Burning wood, coal, or other solid fuels for heating and cooking can release particulate matter and other pollutants indoors and into the surrounding environment.
Natural Sources: Some air pollution is produced naturally. For example, wildfires emit smoke and particulate matter, volcanic eruptions release gases and ash into the atmosphere, and dust storms can create particulate pollution.
Chemical Reactions: Some pollutants are formed through complex chemical reactions in the atmosphere. For instance, ground-level ozone is created when VOCs and NOx react in the presence of sunlight.
Chemical and Industrial Accidents: Accidents in chemical plants, oil refineries, or transportation can release hazardous chemicals and pollutants into the air, posing immediate health and environmental risks.
Indoor Sources: Indoor air pollution can also be a significant concern, resulting from activities such as smoking, using certain household products, or inadequate ventilation.
Harmful Effects of Air Pollution on Public Health
Air pollution poses challenges in two ways. It has a direct as well as indirect impact on human beings. The effects can range from mild to severe illness, and at extremes, they can cause long-term chronic health conditions.
Direct Impact
Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone, can cause immediate respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and exacerbation of asthma symptoms.
Cardiovascular Effects: Air pollution is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems. Pollutants like PM2.5 and carbon monoxide (CO) can contribute to the formation of blood clots and the inflammation of blood vessels.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: People with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are more susceptible to the direct effects of air pollution. Air pollution can worsen their symptoms and lead to hospitalisation or even death.
Decreased Lung Function: Long-term exposure to air pollution, especially in children, can impair lung development and lead to reduced lung function, potentially causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung disorders later in life.
Indirect Impact
Increased Disease Risk: Chronic exposure to air pollution is associated with a higher risk of various diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory infections, and other chronic conditions.
Reduced Life Expectancy: Prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to premature death. Studies have shown that people living in areas with significant air pollution have a shorter life expectancy compared to those in cleaner areas.
Impact on Children’s Development: Air pollution can have adverse effects on children’s cognitive development and academic performance. It has been linked to learning disabilities, lower IQ, and behavioural problems.
Economic Costs: Air pollution-related health issues result in significant economic costs, including healthcare expenses and lost productivity due to sick days and premature death.
Mental Health: Emerging research suggests that air pollution may have indirect impacts on mental health. Prolonged exposure to polluted air may contribute to psychological stress and impact overall well-being.
Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women exposed to air pollution may face a higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems in their children.
How to Protect Ourselves from Breathing in Unhealthy Air?
Stay Informed: Keep track of the air quality in your area and surrounding places. Also, stay informed about the timing when the air pollution reaches its peak level or the timing when it gets to the lowest. These indices can be easily tracked through official government websites, weather apps, and dedicated apps designed specially for monitoring air quality.
Wear Masks: When you step out of your home, don’t forget to wear a face mask, as it can help you avoid inhaling dust particles and other harmful particulates that are otherwise detrimental to your health. Surgical masks or home-made masks made simply from cloth can be effective in the present situation.
Avoid Outdoor Workout: The status of air quality has changed from severe to critical, due to which the environment has become very drastic for people who prefer outdoor workouts. When you workout, your breathing rate increases, and you try to inhale as much oxygen as possible. However, you don’t just inhale oxygen; you also inhale many other gases dissolved in the air. And when you inhale the other toxic gases, you become prone to severe illness. Hence, it defeats your motive of becoming healthy.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure that your home is well-ventilated. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove indoor pollutants. Opening windows and doors when outdoor air quality is good can also help.
Avoid Peak Pollution Times: Pollution levels are often higher during specific times of the day, such as rush hour traffic or when industrial activities are at their peak. Try to schedule outdoor activities during times when pollution levels are lower.
Use Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers in your home, especially in bedrooms and other frequently used areas. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can help remove fine particles from the air. Make sure to choose an air purifier that is appropriate for the size of the room.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water or any healthy beverages can help you flush out body toxins or any unwarranted substance from your body and keep you healthy in the present situation where breathing air is not at all healthy.
Keep Up Good Health: It is also recommended to maintain good health when you know that physical activities are almost negligible and sitting jobs are mostly what people are getting these days. Hence, to keep your immune system healthy and stay out of any probable health hazards, always follow a healthy daily routine where you eat high-fibre food with enough water intake and do a workout on a daily basis, at least for an hour.
Use Portable Air Quality Monitors: Consider using portable air quality monitors to assess the air quality in your immediate surroundings. These devices can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
Responsive Measures taken by the Central and State Government in Delhi NCR Region
From the top to the grass root level, there are several measures taken by the central and state government.
Measures Taken by Central Government
Central Government has launched National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) under the Central Sector “Control of Pollution” Scheme as a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country.
SAMEER app has been launched wherein air quality information is available to the public along with provision for registering complaints against air polluting activities.
Measures Taken by State Government
Odd Even Rule: Delhi government has decided to reinforce the odd-even scheme in the NCR region to control the quality of air. According to this rule, car registration numbers ending with even numbers and odd numbers will ply the road on alternate days.
GRAP Scheme: Graded Response Action Plan or GRAP is a set of emergency measures that are implemented in four stages depending upon the severity of air pollution. Hence to enforce the stage 4 of GRAP policy in Delhi NCR region, Delhi government has ordered the entry ban of truck traffic into Delhi with exceptions for trucks carrying essential goods/services and all LNG/CNG/Electric Trucks.
Water Spray: At construction sites, people have been ordered to spray water all around to prevent the dust from contaminating the environment. Water sprayers have been deployed to spray water to settle down the dust and other harmful particles.
There are many other policies and regulations that have been enforced to control the further deterioration of air quality. This is how governments at the centre and state level are taking proactive measures to prevent air pollution from further degradation.
Conclusion
By looking around in our surroundings and understanding the deteriorating AQI numbers, we can easily conclude that the prevailing situation of our environment is worse than ever, or we can say it is breath-choking, and this will become more terrible if no proper measures are put in place or taken to control it before time.
The responsibility of controlling the air quality and preventing air pollution from spreading is not limited to our government, but we people are also needed to contribute to the extent possible in our personal capacities as well; otherwise, things will get out of control.
If we are united, we can bring any change to our society. And this critical air quality can be controlled if we people come together with the government and contribute at every level possible. Let’s plant trees, green our surroundings, and make our earth a healthy place for living.
