Post Diwali, Air Quality is Super Bad in Delhi

THE National Capital is staring at another spell of thick smog as Diwali fire- crackers have significantly increased air pollution. On Tuesday, Delhi remained in the grip of smog which triggered a host of respiratory infections and other health problems.

(Article from Mail Today, November 5th, 2013)

The day was cloudy with a nip in the air, and the minimum temperatures settled three notches below the season’s average at 12.3 degrees Celsius. Health experts said that air pollution would be at its worst for a couple of days, putting people at risk of scores of ailments.

With temperature set to dip as low as 10 degree Celsius and showers expected this week, they advised people to get ready for an early winter.

The fluctuating weather conditions coupled with air pollutants air may cause severe health hazards that will harm ear, nose and throat tract.

“ The level of suspended particles in the air increases alarmingly during Diwali, causing breathing, eye and throat problems.

The pollution level rises due to bursting of crackers during the festival,” said Sandeep Sindhu, senior ENT consultant of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

“ Those having hypersensitive bronchial airways need to be extra careful. People are advised to stay indoors to avoid inhalation of smoke. People suffering from asthma can increase medication and should immediately approach the doctors, if the problem aggravates,” he said.

Heavy metals remain suspended in the air after Diwali due to fog.

“ Crackers such as sparklers ( phuljhari) and flower pots ( anar) emit highly- toxic heavy metals such as copper, cadmium, lead, manganese, zinc, sodium and potassium. These metals, if present in the air, can cause asthma.

They can also cause severe headache, respiratory diseases and chronic cough,” Dr. Rakesh Kumar, senior consultant ( Internal Medicine) at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

With the rise in the levels of pollutants in the air, city hospitals have witnessed a significant increase in the number of patients suffering from asthma and other allergies.

“ There is a 20- 30% increase in the number of OPD patients in just one day,” said Dr. Manav Manchanda, senior respiratory specialist, of Asian Institute of Medical Sciences.

The Indian Meteorological Department ( IMD) has forecast that the maximum and minimum temperatures would hover around 28 degree Celsius and 13 degree Celsius in that order. “ There would be thunder showers in coming days. The sky may become partly cloudy in coming days with little rain,” said an IMD official.

The city experienced similar weather on Monday and the maximum temperature was recorded two notches below the season’s average at 28.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was 12.6 degrees Celsius — three notches below the season’s average. Delhi hospitals are expected to admit more patients of heart, lung and respiratory ailments. Dr Purshotam Lal, chairman of Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute, said, “ During Diwali, cardiac and respiratory problems are on the rise due to increase in pollution because of crackers. The climate also suddenly changes during this time and patients of bronchial asthma are more prone to developing infections.” “ Post- Diwali, people suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and breathing disorders queue up in hospitals as they do not adhere to the precautionary measures prescribed by doctors.

people should avoid being too close to burning fire crackers and avoid smoke,” he said.

City hospitals witness a sudden rise in the number of asthma patients

TIPS TO KEEP RISKS AT BAY

• People are advised to stay indoors to avoid inhalation of smoke
• People suffering from asthma can increase medication and should immediately approach the doctors if the problem aggravates
• Crackers such as sparklers and flower pots emit highly toxic heavy metals such as copper, cadmium, lead, manganese, zinc, sodium and potassium. These metals, if present in the air, can cause asthma.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities for early in the morning or late in the day when pollutant levels are considerably lower
• Seek doctors’ help for those complaining of symptoms such as tightness in their chests, coughing, wheezing, excessive weakness or fatigue
• Keep away from high traffic areas to reduce exposure to vehicle exhaust