As the winter chill sets in across North India, the region is grappling with not only mild cold but also an alarming rise in air pollution. The pollution levels have spiked due to factors like stubble burning and the widespread use of firecrackers during Diwali, creating a hazardous smog that blankets the region. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed dangerous levels, especially in Delhi, where it has surpassed 350 in many areas, signaling an extremely unhealthy environment.
The air in Delhi is now at a critical stage, affecting not just respiratory health but also causing severe damage to other vital organs, including the brain. Recent studies are showing that air pollution can increase the risk of brain strokes, adding to the growing list of health issues linked to poor air quality.
What Does the Air Quality Index (AQI) Mean?
The AQI is a tool used to measure how clean or polluted the air is, and what potential health risks it poses. Here’s what the different levels of the AQI indicate:
- 0-50: Good air quality. Pollution levels are low, and there is minimal risk to health.
- 51-100: Acceptable air quality. Some pollutants might affect people sensitive to air pollution.
- 101-150: Health concerns for sensitive groups, such as people with respiratory issues. Other people are unlikely to be affected.
- 151-200: Health problems are possible for everyone. Sensitive groups may experience more serious issues.
- 201-300: High levels of pollution that can affect everyone’s health. Serious risks are present.
- 301-500: Hazardous air quality, triggering emergency health situations for the entire population.
Is Breathing Bad Air Like Smoking Cigarettes?
Breathing in polluted air can be just as harmful as smoking cigarettes. In fact, in some cases, it can be even worse. Air pollution contains harmful chemicals, carcinogens, and tiny particles that can deeply affect the body. According to a study published in the BMJ journal, air pollution is responsible for over 2.1 million deaths annually in India. In 2023 alone, around 2.18 million people died due to pollution-related causes.
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have created an online calculator to compare the risks of air pollution with cigarette smoking. According to their findings, if a person breathes air with an AQI of 64 for 24 hours, it’s roughly equivalent to smoking one cigarette a day. While this might sound manageable, it highlights how even seemingly moderate pollution levels can add up over time to cause significant health problems.
How Air Pollution Damages Health
The pollutants in the air—such as particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds—enter the body through the lungs and can make their way into the bloodstream, leading to various health problems. These include respiratory diseases, lung infections, and even cancer. New studies also show that long-term exposure to air pollution can impair brain function and increase the risk of brain strokes.
One such condition linked to air pollution is subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of brain bleed that can result in severe disability or even death. This condition is being increasingly recognized as connected to environmental factors, including air pollution, underlining the danger of poor air quality on brain health.
How to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution
Here are some practical steps you can take to minimize the harmful effects of air pollution:
- Check the AQI: Stay updated on the air quality in your area by checking the daily air pollution forecast. You can easily find this by searching “AQI” along with your city name on Google.
- Avoid Outdoor Exercise: When pollution levels are high, avoid exercising outside. Opt for indoor workouts instead.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure for Children: Keep children indoors when pollution levels are high, especially in areas with heavy traffic where pollution tends to be the worst.
- Wear a Mask: Consider wearing a pollution mask when you go outside, especially in areas with very high pollution. Masks designed to filter out harmful particles can help reduce the intake of toxins.
- Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Boost your immune system by consuming foods high in Vitamin C, which can help combat the effects of pollution. Include fruits like amla (Indian gooseberry), oranges, and vegetables like coriander leaves, drumsticks, cabbage, and amaranth.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps flush toxins from the body and can reduce the burden of pollutants on the system.
- Consider Supplements: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as almonds (containing Vitamin E) and omega-3 fatty acids, can support overall health and help protect against pollution-related damage.
Conclusion
The alarming rise in air pollution, especially in Delhi, is not just a matter of discomfort—it poses serious risks to both our immediate and long-term health. The toxic air we breathe can be as harmful as smoking cigarettes, increasing the chances of respiratory diseases, heart problems, and even brain strokes. By staying informed, taking preventive measures, and improving our diets and lifestyle, we can reduce the adverse effects of air pollution and protect ourselves from its dangerous impact.