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When the citizens of Delhi woke up today, they did not expect to breathe air that would be equivalent to smoking 49.02 cigarettes every day. The air quality recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) till 4 pm today reached unprecedented new highs: Anand Vihar: 500, Vivek Vihar: 498, Chandni Chowk: 480. Since the public is unknowingly being exposed to serious health risks, it raises the question: What happens to the human body when exposed to such dangerous levels of air pollution?
What is AQI and how to read it?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to measure the concentrations of five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the AQI provides a daily snapshot of air quality to help people understand the potential health risks of the air they breathe. Now, AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating poor air quality. An AQI of 0 to 100 indicates air that is considered safe for most people, with minimal risk of health effects. When AQI exceeds 100, air quality can begin to affect sensitive groups, and above 200, it poses serious health risks to the general population. As of today, the average AQI level of Delhi is 450 to 500.
Overall physical effects of poor air quality
According to Dr Arup Halder, senior pulmonologist at CMRI Hospital, who spoke to Business Standard, when the AQI deteriorates, pollutants enter the body through the lungs, and affect various organs in the process. Initial symptoms can range from mild irritation, such as headache, nasal congestion, and skin problems, to more serious conditions. Additionally, long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer.
Dr. Halder also points out that ultrafine particles (less than 0.1 microns in size) can pass from the lungs into the bloodstream, triggering systemic effects. These tiny particles not only harm the lungs but can also harm the heart, brain, kidneys and other organs. For example, air pollution can contribute to high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, and heart attacks, especially during colder months. Additionally, studies have shown that these particles can affect the brain, leading to cognitive decline, dementia, and stroke, especially in older adults. In children, prolonged exposure may impair neurological development.
effects on specific organs
Air pollution has widespread effects on various physiological systems. As for the respiratory system, pollutants can aggravate or cause serious conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and even COPD and lung cancer. This can also increase the risk of serious diseases like pneumonia and other lung infections.
In the cardiovascular system, air pollution contributes to an increased risk of heart disease. Fine particles have been linked to heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, as well as high blood pressure. Cognitive health is also significantly impacted, with pollution being linked to early cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The skin is also not immune. Exposure to air pollution can cause problems like dermatitis, eczema and skin aging. It can even cause damage to internal organs such as the kidneys and liver, with pollution being a potential risk factor for chronic kidney disease and liver damage.
Impact on vulnerable groups: pregnant women and children
It is also important to consider how certain groups are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution; Even short-term exposure to high AQI levels can have long-term effects. For example, pregnant women are at greater risk, as exposure to polluted air can disrupt the development of the placenta, harm fetal development and even cause long-term epigenetic changes in the baby. Are. These changes may predispose children to a variety of diseases in adulthood, reinforcing the idea that many adult health conditions have their roots in early life environmental exposures.
How to stay safe?
The most immediate response would be fundamental changes in government policy, but for personal purposes, there are a number of measures that can be taken to ensure that you and your family are relatively safe. First of all, stay indoors if possible. If possible, get a portable air cleaner/air purifier. Avoid smoking and fried foods as both of these increase smoking. The effects of poor air quality on the human body are far-reaching and complex. As the AQI continues to deteriorate, it is important to recognize the immediate and long-term health impacts of air pollution, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to reduce pollution and protect public health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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