Like smoking 50 cigarrettes daily: Delhi’s air pollution reaches hazardous levels
Breathing Delhi’s air is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes daily, according to doctors, as the city battles its worst pollution crisis of the year, forcing authorities to impose emergency restrictions.
Shahana Yasmin reorts for The Independent.
In short:
- Delhi’s air quality index reached 494 on Tuesday, far exceeding the "severe plus" category. On Monday, the air quality had reached 737, 150 times the WHO limit.
- Authorities halted construction, banned diesel trucks, closed schools and urged remote work to combat the crisis.
- Medical experts warn of severe health risks, including asthma, heart disease, cognitive decline and pregnancy complications.
Key quote:
“The impact is particularly serious among pregnant women and young children because it affects the growing organs of the foetus and young child and is likely to have permanent effects on physical and cognitive development.”
— Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist.
Why this matters:
Air pollution in Delhi poses significant health risks to its 30 million residents, particularly vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to chronic illnesses, premature deaths and developmental issues. Studies have shown that in the last 40 years, at least 135 people died prematurely due to air pollution.
