Key points
- Winter smog pushes pollution to severe levels
- PM2.5 poses serious health risks
- Hospitals see surge in respiratory cases
NEW DELHI: New Delhi’s air quality has once again drawn global concern, with experts warning that breathing the city’s polluted air can be comparable to smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day.
During winter months, thick smog frequently blankets the Indian capital as emissions from vehicles, construction dust, coal-fired power plants and seasonal crop burning combine with unfavourable weather conditions. These pollutants become trapped close to the ground, pushing air quality levels into the “severe” category for days at a time, reports The Washington Post.
Health specialists say prolonged exposure to such pollution poses serious risks. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of respiratory illnesses, heart disease and stroke. Children, older people and those with pre-existing conditions are considered particularly vulnerable.
Breathing difficulties
Hospitals in Delhi often report a surge in patients suffering from breathing difficulties during peak pollution periods. Schools have occasionally been forced to close, while authorities impose emergency measures such as traffic restrictions and temporary bans on construction activity.
Despite these steps, long-term solutions remain elusive. Environmental groups argue that stronger action is needed to reduce emissions and improve public transport.
As residents continue to breathe toxic air, comparisons to daily cigarette consumption underline the scale of the public health crisis facing one of the world’s most polluted cities.
