Health crisis in Delhi: breathing is like smoking 49 cigarettes a day

Health crisis in Delhi: breathing is like smoking 49 cigarettes a day

Delhi’s air quality has reached alarming levels, equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes a day. On November 18, 2024, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 978, a situation that experts have termed a “public health crisis.”

Sources of pollution

Several factors contribute to this extreme pollution:

  • Vehicle emissions : High traffic density in Delhi leads to significant increase in air pollutants.
  • Industries : Industrial activities in and around the city emit considerable amounts of fine particles and harmful gases.
  • Burning of agricultural residues : Burning of crop residues in neighbouring states, especially during the post-monsoon season, releases large quantities of smoke which drifts towards Delhi.
  • Weather situation : Cooler temperatures and weak winds in winter promote the stagnation of pollutants, forming a thick toxic fog.

Health consequences

Breathing Delhi air in these conditions is comparable to smoking nearly 50 cigarettes a day, increasing the risks of:

  • Respiratory diseases : Asthma, chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases.
  • Cardiovascular illnesses : High blood pressure, heart attacks and other heart problems.
  • cancers : Particularly lung cancer, due to prolonged exposure to fine PM2.5 particles.

Taken measures

Faced with this critical situation, the authorities have put in place several measures:

  • Closure of schools : To protect children from the harmful effects of pollution.
  • Traffic restrictions : Restriction of entry of trucks and old vehicles into the city.
  • Promotion of public transport : Encouragement to use public transport to reduce emissions.
  • Ban on fireworks : Suspension of the use of fireworks during festivals to limit the worsening of pollution.

Calls to action

Experts and citizens are calling for more sustained and coordinated actions, including:

  • Reduction of industrial emissions : Implementation of cleaner technologies and strict regulations.
  • Control of the burning of agricultural residues : Offering alternatives to farmers to avoid burning residues.
  • Public awareness : Inform citizens about the risks of pollution and how to protect themselves.

The current situation in Delhi underscores the urgency of collective action to improve air quality and protect public health.

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About the Author

Editor and correspondent Switzerland. Vapoteuse for many years, I take care mainly of Swiss news.