'People In Delhi-NCR Lose 9.5 Years Of Their Lives Because Of Air Pollution,' Says Environmentalist

According to the System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research, with an overall air quality index (AQI) standing at 533, the air in the national capital stands to be "severe."

Representational Image. (AP Photo)

New Delhi: With the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi touching 530, the air in the national capital has turned “hazardous” to breathe. In this regard, environmentalists and health experts have hit out at people for their “irresponsible” behaviour.

Talking to ANI, Vimlendu Jha, a leading environmentalist in India said, "Air pollution kills 15 lakh people every year. A report pointed out that people living in Delhi-NCR lose 9.5 years of their lives because of air pollution. Lung Care Foundation says every 3rd child has asthma due to air pollution."

Air pollution kills 15 lakh people every year. A report pointed out that people living in Delhi-NCR loses 9.5 yrs of their lives because of air pollution. Lung Care Foundation says every 3rd child has asthma due to air pollution: Vimlendu Jha, Environmentalist pic.twitter.com/9O1p95bvu6

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2021

According to the System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research, with an overall air quality index (AQI) standing at 533, the air in the national capital stands to be "severe."

Air Quality Index (AQI) from Delhi - PM10 in Connaught Place at 654, PM 2.5 at 628; PM10 is at 382 and PM2.5 at 341 near Janta Mantar and PM2.5 is at 374 near ITO pic.twitter.com/yeyajUMXeA

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2021

While highlighting the air pollution causing a tremendous health hazard to the population, Dr Arun Mohanty, Professor of Cardiology, Sir Gangaram hospital said to ANI, " It is riskier to ones who have already existing cardiac disease and other chest problems.”

“Patients suffering from Interstitial Lung Disease (ILDs), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also under risk zone. It is shocking but the fact is 10 to 15 per cent of children are asthmatic, they are suffering from allergic bronchitis. It is dangerous for people who have recovered from COVID-19 too because they have compromised lungs,” Dr Mohanty adds.

Stressing on the plight of the asthmatic children, Dr Mohanty said that such air pollution can lead to developing some severe lungs disease which is troublesome. “Pregnant women are also at severe risk,” he adds.

(With inputs from ANI)