Delhi Pollution: Protecting Yourself from Worsening AQI | A Comprehensive Guide

On Friday, the air quality index (AQI) in several areas of the nation’s capital fell to the “severe plus” category, leaving residents of New Delhi to wake up to a thick layer of toxic haze. Many Delhi residents reported having itchy throats and irritated eyes, and the air turned a dark grey color as the AQI hovered around 500 in various areas of the National Capital Region.

On Friday, New Delhi topped a list of the world’s most polluted cities, as determined by the Swiss group IQAir. The capital’s AQI, which places it at 611 in the “hazardous” category, was compiled in real-time. The air quality index in Noida’s Sector 62 registered 469, while Delhi’s Anand Vihar recorded 999, according to weather agency aqicn.org.
The sudden spike in farm fire incidents and the north-westerly winds that brought the pollutants to Delhi were cited Commission for Air Quality Management as the reasons for the record pollution levels. Health experts are worried about the possible rise in asthma and respiratory problems amid the skyrocketing pollution levels, especially in children and the elderly.

The following are some strategies that people can use to shield their loved ones and kids from the negative effects of poor air quality:

Putting On A Mask

Experts advise wearing a N95/99 mask and avoiding needless travel to areas with high levels of pollution on days when the AQI is low. Furthermore, until the smog clears up or can be moved to the evening hours, walking or jogging should be avoided in cases of excessive smog.

In an emergency, a person can cover their mouth with a wet handkerchief if they don’t have a mask. By doing this, toxins will be prevented from entering the lungs. Medical professionals at both public and private hospitals have advised people to wear masks when going outside for work, the market, or other activities in the early morning and to avoid going for early morning walks or workouts.

Using a purifying air

There are a few things we can do to enhance the indoor air quality even though we may not be able to control outdoor air pollution. One way to protect yourself from excessive exposure to air pollution at home and at work is to use portable air purifiers.

For individuals with long-term health issues

Individuals with long-term respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are especially vulnerable to the detrimental impacts of air pollution. Air pollution also increases rates of respiratory morbidity and mortality. It can also trigger asthma attacks and COPD attacks without warning.

To find out if you are sensitive to air pollution, there are tests that can be performed. The Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Panel, the Cardiometabolic Panel, the Liver Function Tests, the Kidney Screen Plus, the Gene Panel for Hypereosinophilic Syndrome, the Asthma and Inhalational Allergy Panel, and the Outdoor Allergy Inhalation Panel are some possible tests.

Keeping Kids Safe

Young children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults in their mid-life. When pollution levels are high, children under the age of eight should stay indoors. Children breathe more quickly than adults do, so they inhale more air in proportion to their body weight.

Additionally, toddlers and shorter children are more likely to breathe in large amounts of PM 2.5 due to the heavier air pollution particles being closer to the ground. For children, the elderly, sick people, and expectant mothers, the room should have an air purifier.

Keep Yourself Safe From Traffic

Exposure to roadside pollution can be hazardous, particularly in areas with high traffic or congestion, as vehicles are one of the main sources of pollution. As a result, commuters can take precautions like closing their car windows, turning on the recirculation button, and staying away from motorcycles.

Increase the number of trees planted.

The air we breathe is greatly improved by trees. Thus, the best long-term solution to pollution is to plant more trees in urban areas, which can significantly reduce air pollution caused by traffic. Because they are natural air filters, trees lessen the harmful effects of air pollution caused by traffic.

Indoor Plant Usage

Plants that purify the air and increase the amount of oxygen in the surrounding environment, such as Scindapsus, green money plant, peace lily, areca palm, snake plant, rubber plant, etc., can be used to keep indoor spaces free of pollution. These plants reduce dust, noise, and air pollutants while absorbing benzene, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide.

Limiting Emissions

It is recommended that in situations where pollution levels are high, all types of emissions be decreased. It is best to avoid burning coal, wood, or both for “tandoors,” as these activities produce a lot of pollution. Furthermore, experts advise against smoking because it can be harmful to those around the smoker, especially indoors.