How to Be Safe in Delhi’s Toxic Air, Health Emergency Declared | GarimaShares
Well, the damage is done. The pollution in Delhi is way out of hands. And now all you can do is keep yourself safe from the consequences of it.
15 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India.
New Delhi has become the toxic capital, numerous people have being rushed to hospitals because of the hazardous air quality in the city.
On Friday, officials declared a public health emergency and close school for the coming days.
How bad it is? Air pollution level in some parts of Delhi is 20 times the level considered to be safe by the World Health Organization.
The citizens have been suggested to stay indoors as much as possible. Activities like construction projects have to be stopped to not worsen the situation.
From November 4, the odd-even strategy will be implemented for the vehicles in Delhi.
“We are in trouble,” said Dr. G.C. Khilnani, a pulmonologist in the city.
This happens every year due to reasons like crop burning in Punjab and Haryana, emissions from vehicles and the burning of crackers on Diwali.
Increased number of Lung Cancer cases of non-smokers
Dr. Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon in the city, said that 90 percent of his lung cancer patients three decades ago were smokers. Today, he said, the ratio was one to one, with at least 10 percent of his clients only in their 30s.
“Fifty percent of the patients I operate on throughout the year are nonsmokers,” he said. “This kind of demographic change is shocking.”
According to the government’s air quality monitor, SAFAR Delhi’s overall air quality index on Monday morning was at 506. The AQI at 4 AM touched 999 in Delhi.
An AQI between 0–50 is considered “good”, 51–100 “satisfactory”, 101–200 “moderate”, 201–300 “poor”, 301–400 “very poor”, and 401–500 “severe”. Above 500 is “severe-plus emergency” category.
Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 particulate matter has been linked to cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Children face the most adverse effect of the hazardous air
Children are affected the most. They may have to face permanent brain damage.
According to a study, a child dies every 3 minutes due to dust allergies and problems related to the city’s pollution levels.
I can go and keep telling you how bad the air around has become but let’s get to the point now.
Also Read: 5 Habits That Are Stopping You From Being Successful
How to protect yourself from pollution in Delhi
The damage can’t be undone. The following are some ways by which you can keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. Do read them closely and follow as well because apparently, Delhi air is reducing your life span by 10.2 years.
Avoid morning walks
Morning walks and exercises outside in open spaces are no longer a good option if you’re in Delhi.
Tiny hazardous particles can enter your body and harm you. They are more concentrated above the ground in the early morning.
Wear mask before stepping out
It is time to ignore the fact that wearing the fact would ruin your outfit of the day. Masks N95 and N99 are recommended by doctors.
There is nothing more valuable than health. A Dettol Siti Shield with activated carbon costs just Rs. 99.
Wear it when you step out of the house, here is the Amazon link.
Use indoor plants that act as natural air purifiers
Houseplants are scientifically proved to be helpful in reducing air pollution. Indoor plants such as Golden Pothos, Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema), Spider plants, among others can help in keeping air purified with the house.
Aloevera, the sun-loving plant reduces indoor air pollution.
Snake plants, bamboo palm, and Warneck Dracaena also get the job done.
Avoid using air fresheners or burning scented candles.
Eat food that boosts your immunity
Increase your intake of vitamin-C rich items like amla, lemon, guava, oranges. Gooseberries and flaxseed oil boost immunity.
Eat more of honey, ginger, neem, green tea, carrot juice and food rich in vitamin-E.
Turmeric milk helps in maintaining respiratory health.
Drink more water
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and drink more water than usual. Increase the intake of vegetable and fruit juices.
Gargle with warm water or lightly salted black tea twice daily to avoid any congestion in the throat.
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Originally published at https://garimashares.com on November 2, 2019.
