When the people of Delhi woke up today, they did not expect to inhale air equivalent to smoking 49.02 cigarettes every day. Touching a new unprecedented high, the air quality recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as of 4 PM today was: Anand Vihar: 500, Vivek Vihar: 498, Chandni Chowk: 480. As the public is unknowingly exposed to serious exposure to health risks, it begs the question: What happens to the human body when it is exposed to such dangerous levels of air pollution?
What is AQI and how to read it?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to measure the concentration of five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AQI provides a daily snapshot of air quality to help people understand the potential health hazards of the air they breathe. The AQI now ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating worse air quality. An AQI of 0 to 100 indicates that the air is considered safe for most people with minimal health risk. When the AQI exceeds 100, air quality can begin to affect sensitive groups, and above 200 it poses a serious health hazard to the general population. Delhi’s average AQI levels are currently between 450 and 500.
General physical effects of poor air quality
According to Dr. Arup Halder, Senior Pulmonologist, CMRI Hospital, who spoke to Business Standard, when the AQI deteriorates, pollutants enter the body through the lungs, affecting various organs. Initial symptoms can range from mild irritations such as headaches, nasal congestion, and skin problems to more serious conditions. In addition, long-term exposure to polluted air can cause chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer.
Dr. Halder also explains that ultrafine particles (less than 0.1 microns in size) can travel from the lungs into the bloodstream, causing systemic effects. These tiny particles not only damage the lungs, but can also damage the heart, brain, kidneys and other organs. For example, air pollution can contribute to hypertension, coronary heart disease and heart attacks, especially during the colder months. In addition, studies have shown that these particles can affect the brain, leading to cognitive decline, dementia and strokes, especially in the elderly. In children, long-term exposure can interfere with neurological development.
Effects on certain organs
Air pollution has a wide range of effects on various body systems. For the respiratory system, pollutants can worsen or cause conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and even more serious conditions such as COPD and lung cancer. It can also increase the risk of acute illnesses such as pneumonia and other lung infections.
In the cardiovascular system, air pollution increases the risk of heart disease. Fine particulate matter has been linked to heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, as well as hypertension. Cognitive health is also significantly impaired: environmental pollution is linked to early cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The skin is not immune either. Exposure to polluted air can lead to conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and accelerated skin aging. Even internal organs such as the kidneys and liver can be affected, and pollution is a possible risk factor for chronic kidney disease and liver damage.
Exposure to vulnerable groups: pregnant women and children
It is also important to consider how certain groups are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution; even short-term exposure to high AQI levels can have long-lasting effects. For example, pregnant women are at greater risk because exposure to air pollution can disrupt placental development, harm fetal growth, and even cause long-term epigenetic changes in the baby. These changes may predispose children to various diseases in adulthood, reinforcing the idea that many adult health conditions have their origins in early environmental exposures.
How to stay safe?
The most immediate response would be a fundamental change in government policy, but for individual purposes, there are a number of steps you can take to make sure you and your family are relatively safe. For one thing, stay home if you can. Buy a portable purifier/air purifier if possible. Avoid smoking and frying food, as both increase smoke. The impact of poor air quality on the human body is far-reaching and complex. As the AQI worsens, it is critical to recognize the immediate and long-term health effects of air pollution, insisting on the need for stronger measures to reduce pollution and protect public health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
