Delhi smog: Experts warn against indulging in physical activities

In the wake of Indian Medical Association (IMA) declaring "public health emergency" in Delhi due to hazardous pollution levels, experts have warned people to avoid outdoor physical activities like cycling and jogging.

Delhi woke up to a blanket of smog on Tuesday with air quality touching hazardous levels. Air quality index was very severe with high particulate matter at a 2.5 level at many places.

Dr Vikas Maurya, Senior Consultant & Head of Department from Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi talks about air pollution and how we can protect ourselves from its harmful effects.

Harmful effects of Smog:

- It can lead to the onset of allergies or aggravate already existing allergies and decrease in Lung Immunity

It might be instrumental in causing premature birth

- Cause decrease in the lung function in all age groups

- Might aggravate pre-existing lung and cardiac functions along with uncontrollable or chronic coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath

Preventive measures:

- People should avoid going outdoors along with doing physical activities like cycling, jogging.

- N95 masks should be used if it is absolutely necessary to go out.

- Air Purifying plants such as Aloe Vera, Ivy and Spider Plant can be placed in the home and offices.

- To ensure that indoor air pollution does not take place make sure there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom.

- Consume fruits rich in Vitamin C, Magnesium, foods rich in Omega Fatty Acids

- Have herbal ginger and Tulsi tea

Air pollution poses a major health risk and can cause stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases.

According to the WHO, 92 per cent of the world's population lives in areas where the air quality is below the WHO standards.

About 88 per cent of premature deaths occur in the low- and middle-income countries, where air pollution is escalating at an alarming rate.