It is no news that Delhi's air quality had worsened post-Diwali and people defied the firecracker ban. On November 1, the citizens woke up to a blanket of toxic smoke, this is the morning after Diwali. The air quality at Anan Vihar was in "very poor" category with an AQI of 395 as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The smog has also furthered reduced visibility.
Anand Vihar also saw "severe" air qality on Thursday night, the evening of Diwali and the PM2.5 concentrationd increases leading to hazardous conditions for respiratory health. As of 11pm on Diwali, Gurugram in Haryana reported 322, 336 in Jind and 206 in Charkhi Dadri.
Delhi-NCR is among India's worst cities for air quality and is impacted by toxic gray smog, especially the day after Diwali. The fine particles found in the toxic smog easily penetrate through our respiratory systems and poses health risks to us. Children and the elderly are at the most risk.
While several areas in Delhi reported "very poor" to almost at the edge of "severe" with Burari Crossing at 395 and RK Puram at 395 on the AQI, Faridabad on the night of Diwali reported an AQI of 181.
Health Crisis
Being exposed to air pollution could lead to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. A persistent cold throughout the year is also possible.
Many doctors have also agreed that due to the rise in pollution, they have seen an increase in the rise of number of patients with respiratory diseases. The doctors have also noticed the rise of uncommon diseases which are caused by being exposed to pollution for too long. As per a 2010 paper titled Air pollution and non-respiratory health hazards for children, it means that pollution can lead to prenatal effects, infant mortality, allergy malignancies, cardiovascular disorders (including stroke), increase in oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, mental health disorder and vitamin D deficiency.
What To Do?
Avoiding going outdoors and using an N-95 mask whenever you step out, or using an air purifier are few available options.
However, there are some healthy detox options to try for you at home:
Increase antioxidant-rich food
Stay hydrated
Drink green tea or ginger tea
Increase your vitamin C intake
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