New Delhi: Delhi, generally known for its zestful culture and heritage monuments, is facing a growing environmental issue: air pollution. It has earned a grim reputation as one of the world’s most polluted capitals. It was the most polluted capital in the world in 2019, with its air often violating safety limits. Such a deteriorating trend will have severe implications for public health, particularly cardiovascular health.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Nityanand Tripathi, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, spoke about the long-term repercussions of exposure to pollution.
The Health Impact of Delhi’s Air Pollution
The city’s AQI mostly hovers between 300 and 400; sometimes it shoots up to 500 during the peak winter months. These values fall under the “very poor” or “hazardous” scale, and the primary offenders are vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and stubble burning in neighboring states. Microscopic particulate matter in the air in the form of PM2.5 and PM10 penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and oxidative stress.
According to the World Heart Federation’s World Heart Report 2024, air pollution contributes to worsening major cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. Globally, it contributed to 22% of IHD deaths and 15% of stroke fatalities in 2019. For India, already facing a high prevalence of CVDs, this imposes a significant public health challenge.
Practical Measures to Protect Your Heart
To mitigate cardiovascular risks during periods of poor air quality, consider these measures:
Monitor AQI Levels: Limit outdoor activities when AQI exceeds 200. Staying indoors can significantly reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
Use Masks and Purifiers: Wear N95 masks designed for pollution protection and install air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and include antioxidant-rich foods and vitamin C in your diet to strengthen your immune system.
Avoid Strenuous Outdoor Activities: Physical exertion during high pollution levels can increase the intake of harmful air particles.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Regular cardiovascular check-ups help detect any pollution-induced complications early.
Practice Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing and mindfulness can help maintain respiratory health but should be done indoors where air quality is controlled.
Taking Action Beyond Individual Measures
It is not sufficient to focus on personal actions alone. Collective action is equally important to address the crisis of air pollution. Strict norms on emissions by vehicles, ensuring adequate waste disposal, and shifting towards cleaner energy forms would be needed to address this growing crisis. The implementation of Stage-2 emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a step in the right direction. Initiatives such as banning coal and firewood use and deploying water sprinklers aim to reduce immediate pollution levels.
Conclusion
It is a wake-up call both for residents and authorities that the air quality in Delhi has deteriorated to alarming levels. Cardiovascular diseases, encompassing various problems developed due to air pollution, are forcing India to dramatically step up both preventive healthcare measures and policy interventions in this area. Lifestyle changes, along with protective measures and advocacy for cleaner air, will help reduce personal health risks and fight a crucial environmental issue.
Delhi’s AQI mostly hovers between 300 and 400; sometimes it shoots up to 500 during the peak winter months. These values fall under the “very poor” or “hazardous” scale, and the primary offenders are vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and stubble burning in neighboring states. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
