The impact of smog due to the festive season affects the lives of several people in NCR. This is not only limited to respiratory ailments but also results in several other issues such as stroke, insulin resistance, infertility, etc.
The impact of desolated smog has increased the surge in respiratory ailments in and around our National Capital Region(NCR), Delhi. Health experts are struggling to battle the situation accompanied by many issues such as breathlessness, asthma, itchy eyes, etc.
Expert’s views on smog
Dr. Arjun Khanna, the head of pulmonary medicine, at Amrita Hospital, says, “ This crisis usually occurs in Delhi every year after the festive season, but this year the number of patients and the number of people affected increased tremendously”. Air pollution has increased the concentration of ultrafine particles to PM2.5, which has toxic and heavy chemical compounds in the air.
Dr.Avi Kumar, the Senior doctor, Fortis Escorts hospital, Delhi states, “Many people with symptoms of wheezing, breathlessness, cough, cold come to our OPD. Apart from this many suffer from chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) and get admitted to ICU.”
Experts advised that this worsened air quality affects most of the post-covid patients and people with co-morbidities. It will surely affect their immune system and this will also cause several other problems for them.
Physician and Consultant, Dr.Raj Kumar, Indian spinal injuries, Delhi said, “Studies reveal that exposure to air pollution is a high risk to diabetes patients as it leads to insulin resistance. Many can get strokes and heart diseases as well.”
Eye disorders
“Not only COPD and its associated diseases, but many are also getting affected on their eyes, as they are too sensitive to allergies and pollution. As the pollution rises to PM 2.5levels, it can lead to several eye problems from irritation to allergies”, stated the director of the Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals, Mr. Mahipal Sachdev.
He also added that “Our eyes become more acidic if sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrous oxide (NOx) is present more in the air. Due to this, the film of our eyes is torn out and we experience itching, burning, and redness of the eyes. This condition may lead to conjunctivitis of the eye and sometimes lead to corneal vision if not treated soon.”
Another consultant and pulmonary lead, Dr. Navneet Sood at Dharamshila Narayana Super specialty Hospital, Delhi said “sunglasses are much required during this festive season as many people are getting eye problems due to these pollutants. Washing the eyes regularly in cool water and keeping it clean, avoiding contact lenses are the best ways to protect our eyes”.
Fertility Issues
Dr. Gunjan Gupta Govil, founder and chairman of Gunjan IVF World Group, explained the fertility issues due to air pollution. He stated, “Normal levels for conception are reduced through inhalation of toxic air. This reduces the sperm count and degeneration of sperms occur. This mechanism of sperm depletion is called Endocrine Disruptor Activity, which is a hormonal imbalance. If the air we inhale consists of copper, zinc, lead, etc, it can produce fewer amounts of testosterone and depletes the sperm count.”
He further explained the conditions faced by women, who try to conceive. “The ovarian follicles got affected by this worse scenario. Exposure to longer air pollution not only affects the quality of follicles but also the genes of the egg. If the fine particulate matter is less than 10 microns (PM10), it will consist of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide which will lead to fertility and miscarriage. This will gradually increase the number of infertility cases in society.”
Measures taken by the Delhi Government
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Mr. Gopal Rai said, “As a part of “Anti-dust campaign” about 6,868 construction sites have been inspected by the Delhi government till now and notices have been issued to them for paying fines. Under this campaign 586 teams were formed and it also included some teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). These teams will inspect the 14 anti-dust norms on construction sites and strict actions will be taken on them .
Precautions To Avoid Air Pollution
- People must eat nutritious food.
- It’s a must to get vaccinated against flu-pneumonias
- Usage of air purifiers is a must in more crowded places.
- Drinking a lot of fluids is a must for all.
- People with comorbidities should take their medicines regularly.
- Visit the eye doctor for even small discomforts of the eye, if it persists for a long time.
- Patients should have a morning walk with their masks up.
- Awareness to wear masks should be created among all.
In 2021, Carbon Emissions in the Earth’s crust reached an all-time High.
