Air Pollution Worsens In The Capital Increasing Potential Health Risks

As winter approaches, New Delhi’s air pollution levels worsens intensifying the struggles of people with breathing and other respiratory diseases. The WHO says air pollution can trigger strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. A study published in Lancet Journal also pointed out that more than 7% of deaths in 10 of the biggest cities of India were linked to air pollution.

New Delhi has a bad rep for being regularly grouped under the world’s most polluted capitals with the amalgamation of factory and vehicle emissions coupled with agricultural fires blanketing the city each winter stretching from mid-October to January. Most people in the capital have been complaining about respiratory troubles with the advent of winter. Cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds trap deadly pollutants suffocating people in smog and polluted air.

Recently in New Delhi, the levels of PM2.5 particles, which are the smallest and the most harmful ones that can enter the bloodstream topped 278 micrograms per cubic metre, according to IQAir. This is 18 times the daily maximum recommended value by the WHO. Reports say that on worst days it can shoot up to 30 times the daily maximum recommended value. Both the state and central government need to speed up their effort in reducing air pollution for the betterment of the health of people.

Source: Hindustan Times