According to medical experts, tiny air pollution particles can also increase the risk of stroke in youngsters and healthy people by damaging the inner lining of their veins and arteries. While according to WHO's report, children are worse affected by the dropping air quality.
The situation is extremely intense in national capital’s 10 areas including Ashok Vihar, Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri and Mathura Road. The situation is very intense in adjoining Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida. The air quality and issues related to it is not only limited to the capital of India, but it is a reflection of the condition across the various metropolitans in the country.
Air Pollution: The causes
• Temperature fall: With fall in temperature and lighter wind the air quality detorates as both seasonal changes allow pollution to accumulate.
• Crop burning: Farmers burn rice stubbles in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.One of the main reasons of increasing air pollution levels in Delhi and NCR is crop burning by the farmers in these states. It is estimated that approximately 35 million tonnes of crop are set afire by these states and the wind carries all the pollutants and dust particles, which get locked in the air.
• Festive season: The air quality would continue to worsen around Diwali, which falls on November 7. Firecrackers buring stands as major the contibuters in the poor air quality. Despite the ban on cracker sales, firecrackers are common sight every Diwali.
• Traffic menace: Vehicular emission is increasing the hazardous effects of air pollution and smog. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) have declared vehicular emission as a major contributor to Delhi’s increasing air pollution.
• Construction: Large scale construction is another culprit that is increasing dust and pollution in the air. Considering the dipping air quality, the Delhi Government has directed a number of construction sites to stop the work.
With alarming air quality and "deadly cocktail" of pollution surrounding major cities, check some dos's and don'ts that can be taken to reduce air pollution and keep oneself safe.
• Make choices to drive less toxic automobiles
• Switch to a hybrid vehicle, or better yet, one that runs on fully electric.
• Take public transportation
• Carpooling with friends and colleagues
• Ride a bycycle to your destination.
• Be energy efficient and turn off the lights, TV, and any other electronic appliances before leaving home
• Find ways to promote and educate the public on clean energy alternatives. A small contribution goes a long way in the grand scheme of things.
• Cigarette smoke contains up to 70 carcinogenic substances and toxins that remain in the indoor air for a long time.
• Plant trees.
• Trees around your house and in your neighborhood will help reduce air pollutants.
• Recycle. Recycling can help reduce air pollution.
• Instead of throwing away used containers and material, try reusing them or recycling them to be used again by someone else.
• Minimize use of fossil fuel powered automobiles.
• Avoid excessive idling of your automobile.
• Do not smoke inside your home
• Don't burn firecrackers this Diwali