Delhi AQI crossed the hazardous mark a day before and government implemented the GRAP 4. And yet, people continue to move around in the dense fog, claiming that ‘its not that bad’ and ‘they are not affected by pollution’. And no matter how strongly you want to believe that Delhi AQI is not killing you, trust us – it surely is.
Air pollution is a slow and steady killer, and it impacts all. The present AQI levels of over 450 pose a critical health risk. While everyone is at risk, the present condition is especially severe for young kids and older people and with people with co-morbidities. But if you are a young adult and believe that your healthy lungs and body can withstand the onslaught of bad air – we urge you to think again.
Even if you are not feeling the obvious signs of an irritable throat, you may be surprised how the pollution is secretly wreaking havoc in your body. Without realising, these asymptomatic conditions are slowly and steadily impacting all that are breathing the toxic air of Delhi, at present.
Delhi AQI – 4 Hidden Effects of Air Pollution
High Blood Pressure:
You have never truly had a problem with blood pressure, but random checks will surprise you. The PM 2.5 particles are very thin and are easily absorbed by our lung tissue and then by blood, to be carried to various parts of the body. These particles are known to cause oxidative stress and tissue inflammation.
Doctors have warned that exposure to poor air can lead to high blood pressures. Fine particulate matter has been shown to impair blood vessels and even speed up calcification of arteries. While those suffering from high blood pressure or any cardio-vascular disease are at an increased risk, the pollution is also affecting the otherwise healthy.
Depression:
It’s not merely the lack of sun. The air that you breathe also impacts your mental health. Studies have shown that increased exposure to bad air has significantly increased chances of neurological disorders. And most of these neurological disorders begin with depression.
So if you or your child seem inordinately cranky off late, try some clean air instead. Don’t step out for meditation but rather build a safe clean space in your house with the help of air-purifiers and try and stay in that place. You would yourself see the difference in how you feel.
Bad Stomach
Bad stomach is not always about the food that you eat but also the air that your breathe. As mentioned earlier, the fine particles as well as surface level ozone and sulphur dioxide all can be easily absorbed by the human tissue. These chemicals and irritants can cause irritability of your stomach lining too, causing distress and bad stomach.
Have you noticed that you don’t particularly feel ‘fresh’ and in spite of clean eating you have had stomach cramps? Well, yes, air pollution is impacting you too. No amount of healthy eating will reverse the effects of bad air. Remember, food plays its part and clean air plays its part too. Bad air disrupts your health in various manners. So if you are feeling a cramped stomach – going out for a walk is not what you should be doing. Instead, try taking some steam and drinking plenty of fluids. And yes, stay indoors.
Poor Concentration Levels
This is more obvious in children than in adults. You would find your child a bit sluggish, maybe even taking a bit longer to finish his/her task. Children with ADHD may show more aggravated symptoms and restlessness when exposed to bad air.
Studies in children have shown that even relatively low exposure to PM 2.5 particles may ‘alter the size of child’s developing brain’. The researchers have further suggested that this can lead to increased risk of cognitive and emotional problems during adolescence. This is also the reason why young children are categorized under high risk from air pollution.
Disclaimer: Content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions