Delhi's 'severe' air quality to continue, health problems aggravated (Roundup)

A shroud of smog engulfing Delhi and the NCR for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday left many residents complaining of respiratory problems and watery eyes, while air monitoring agencies ruled out any immediate respite, predicting continuation of the situation for a few more days.

While Air Quality Index in cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru has shown considerable improvement, it is still 'severe' for Delhi and NCR. The reasons given by the air monitoring agencies are adverse weather conditions, such as low wind speed coupled with drop in temperature, and high humidity, which has blocked dispersal of pollutants.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, showed levels of PM (particulate matter) 2.5 and PM 10 exceeding 500 at most locations early on Thursday morning.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data also showed increase in toxicity.

Dipankar Saha, a scientist working with CPCB, said the high level of pollution is due to adverse weather conditions.

"While we should stop all activities which contribute to pollution, there is no need to create panic. We need good weather conditions after which air quality will improve," he said.

As many residents complained of health problems, pulmonologists warned people, especially those with lung diseases, to stay indoors. Dr Vikas Maurya of BLK hospital said prolonged exposure to highly toxic air can cause cardiac arrest and lung cancer.

"The current air quality is going to impact those with respiratory problems, especially asthmatic patients, negatively. However, it also creates problems for those facing cardiac and nervous system problems. The long-term exposure to pollutants in the air increases chances of lung cancer and heart attack," said Maurya.

Pollutants can affect foetus growth, he cautioned pregnant women.

He advised use of mask as a necessary precautionary measure when going out in open air.

"One should avoid going outdoors. Otherwise, one should use masks like N-95 or N-99. Parents must take care of children as toxic air can affect lung growth in them," said the pulmonologist.

He asked the government to take proper measures to reduce pollution. "It is the government's job to take necessary measures. In addition, people should also play pro-active role," Maurya said.

A Jammu resident, Amit Gupta, who works in Delhi, said he found the air quality horrible when he returned to the city after Diwali vacations.

"When I got down from the train, I saw fog everywhere. However, when I started feeling irritation in my eyes, I came to know that it was smog. The situation is horrible here. I should have extended my stay in Jammu," said Gupta.

Meanwhile, University of Birmingham and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) have organised a workshop here in December to investigate air pollution in India and Britain.

Dr Francis Pope from the University studied data from 34 meteorological stations across Britain for over 13 years, in which he found an average 25 per cent reduction in visibility caused by atmospheric particulate matter from fireworks and bonfires.

--IANS

vv-spk/vd/dg