Skip to content
For the past several years, air pollution has been rapidly spreading in Delhi and NCR, especially during the months of October and November. These days the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi NCR crosses 400, which falls in the severe category and is considered extremely harmful to health.
This year again the air in Delhi and its surrounding areas has started getting polluted. According to recent reports, the AQI here is continuously crossing 300. Air pollution in Delhi NCR often ranks among the most polluted regions globally. The rapid increase of vehicles, industrial, and power plant discharge worsens the condition. Seeing the deteriorating air, we should also start taking precautions for our health.
World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that worldwide 4.2 people die annually due to air pollution. In urban areas the air we breathe often goes unnoticed until it becomes a problem. Numerous health issues, associated with high level exposure to air pollution are similar to what Delhi NCR experiences, leaving people with respiratory issues, heart diseases, cancer, skin issues, reproductive health problems and neurological disorders in the long run.
The Health Impacts of Air Pollution
Due to air pollution, there is a constant risk of diseases ranging from minor to very serious. Microscopic particles like particulate matter (PM) 2.5 present in polluted air can pose a serious threat to health.
According to the reports of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, coming in contact with PM 2.5 in the air can increase the risk of many types of cancer and harm many parts of the body. Also, if someone already has some other disease, then coming in contact with PM 2.5 can complicate that disease even more, or it may not be cured for a long time. Pollution can harm many organs in the body, including the lungs, liver, heart, and nerves.
Below are the major health impacts and chronic diseases that air pollution can lead to.
Cardiovascular Disease
Studies evaluated a relation between air pollution and heart (cardiovascular) disease which investigated changes in blood pressure which elevates the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease like coronary artery disease, heart attacks and heart failure. Exposure of particulate matter in the air can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation and myocardial injury.
Respiratory Issues
Air pollution affects our normal breathing patterns. Harmful pollutants present in the air increase the risk of lung cancer from carcinogenic substances also giving rise to chronic diseases like Asthma, bronchitis, Allergic rhinitis, and others. Pollutants present in the air can cause regular coughing sneezing that weaken the immune system eventually decreasing one’s ability to fight the pathogens and other harmful substances.
Skin Problems Due to Air Pollution
Air pollution is associated with several issues one of them is skin health. Tiny particles present in the air can penetrate through the skin leading to inflammation and irritation. Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide give birth to condition like eczema and rashes on the skin, making our skin prone to acne and other conditions.
Other Health Risks Due to Air Pollution
Air pollution, a serious threat to our health causes, metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, and obesity in the body sometimes leading to serious mental health conditions like anxiety and depression leaving us exhausted. It weakens the immune system, affects the nervous system, and increases reproductive health concerns, disrupting our daily lives.
Therefore, due to increasing pollution, we should take extra care of our health and the health of our families, especially sick individuals and small children. Every action counts. Make sure you pave the way for your healthier future with mindful choices to benefit your health and well-being.
