As per, UNEP(United Nations Environmental Programme) every year on 5th of June, 'World Environment Day', is celebrated to increase the awareness amongst people about the urgent need to protect our planet earth/our home & also to increase Awareness amongst people to take some steps to protect & conserve our environment. Out of the many problems faced by the environment, the most important & critical is 'Air pollution.
As per a Swiss-based air monitoring group Delhi was the most polluted capital city in the world in the year 2023. Also, as per an IAQI group, India was ranked third most polluted country in the world in 2023, which was ranked 8th in 2022.
As per Dr Vinus Taneja, Consultant Physician at Dept. of Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, the rise in air pollution has been attributed to the increase in the number of industries. Additionally, no proper environment safety policies and laws to help save or improve the environment.
As per WHO, there are 2 types of air pollutions:
- Ambient outdoor air pollution,
- Indoor air pollution.
Ambient air pollution(outdoor air pollution) is mostly caused due to combustion of fossil fuel & it affects all classes-low, middle & high income countries. Whereas, household air pollution (Indoor air pollution) is mostly caused by combustion of solid fuel.
(Wood, crop, waste, charcoal & dung)+ Kerosene + open fires affect low middle income countries.
“The main harmful pollutant is, Nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide + Ozone which causes dangerous effects at different levels,” shares Dr Taneja.
Globally the safe air limit to breathe is 12 to15 micrograms per cubic metre of pm2.5 during which values above 35 micro- grams per cubic metre are considered unhealthy.
Also Read: Can Air Pollution Impact Fertility?
Delhi's air quality has worsened with time & the value has been above 92.7 micrograms per cubic metre always. People in Delhi always struggle to breathe almost throughout the year; but it is more during the winters: during when the farmers burn the crop & fire workers of festivals.
What Are The Causes of Air pollution
- Increasing number of vehicles, & emission of large number of carbon monoxide is them
- Pollution from industries emitting harmful fumes and pollutants
- Construction & dust pollution
- fireworks during festivals
- Burning of agricultural stubble
- Colder weather & stagnant winds
- Overcrowding
Effects of Air pollution on health
“The pollutants can cause irritation + inflammation of lung & blood vessels, leading to increased risk of heart & respiratory diseases, including lung cancer & strokes. It can also lead to exacerbations of underlying COPD & Bronchial Asthma. It can cause sore throat, cough allergies, irritation of eyes & skin etc,” shares Dr Taneja.
Also Read: How Does Air Pollution Level Erode Eye Health? Watch Out For These Problems
Environmental changes
- Smog which causes decrease visibility; leading to accidents & traffic jams
- The harmful chemicals cause health problems mentioned above
- There is slow depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere due to the entry of UV Rays from the sun that can directly enter the earth, this leads to Global warming & melting of the glaciers.
Hence; one should understand the urgency to take steps & correct measures to save and protect our environment.
Final Word
We should plant more trees; harvest water! Use alternative sources of energy & preserve + use judiciously the energy; so that our future generation are not deprived of these natural resources & the environment remains healthy for the future generations to breathe.