The Delhi-National Capital Region is back to being what it is every year-end—a gas chamber. With thick smog covering most areas and AQI crossing the 300 mark and entering the'very poor’ category, October is leading to health issues among the residents due to intense air pollution.

According to doctors, vehicular pollution, unchecked industrial pollution, dust, and construction activities, along with sporadic stubble burning, are causing severe respiratory, cardiac, and vision problems in most people. “Delhi NCR is a gas chamber right now. While those with respiratory diseases like bronchitis and asthma are already bearing the repercussions of high pollution levels, even normal people can feel the symptoms,” Dr. Sanju Purohit, Associate Professor at Akamai University, USA, and a Research Fellow at the Women Researcher Council at Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), told Times Now.

According to Dr. Purohit, a majority of those who have no choice but to be out in the pollution are suffering from various issues like:

• Incessant headaches
• Colds and coughs
• Itchy throat
• Watery eyes

“This high level of pollution could reduce life expectancy by at least 4-5 years and may even cause irreparable damage to lungs or lung cancer, the effect of which might be seen in the coming years,” Dr. Purohit added.

Earlier this year, a report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago said nearly 2 crore people living in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi are on track to lose an average of 11.9 years of life expectancy compared to the World Health Organisation's guidelines. Even by India's own national standards, the residents stand to lose 8.5 years of life expectancy if current pollution levels persist.

Delhi – among the most populous cities in India - also holds the dubious distinction of being the most polluted city globally.

According to Dr. Purohit, increased pollution levels over the years have led to an increase in cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and pulmonary diseases and even impacted the mental health of individuals. “Children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are among the worst sufferers,” added Dr. Purohit.

Air pollution poses significant health risks due to the inhalation of pollutants like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone. Even those who are healthy have been experiencing irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, along with breathing difficulties that lead to chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, heart attacks, and stroke.

Even though everyone is aware of the risks posed by air pollution – not enough is being done to stay safe. According to experts, there are many long-term fixes like cutting emissions, encouraging renewable energy, and tightening laws that need to be tightened, along with people wearing masks and using air purifiers at homes and offices. Additionally, there are not enough commuters using public transportation and planting trees.

“While the government is making policies to curb pollution, GRAP in a phased manner seems to be the only action it is taking for immediate relief. Extensive plantation drives are the need of the hour, as they will lead to long-term results. Furthermore, we need to move towards sustainable living, cutting down carbon emission as much as possible and adapting a lifestyle that will impact the environment positively,” said Dr. Purohit.

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