As winter approaches, Delhi’s air quality plunges once again into the ‘severe plus’ category, raising alarms over the health hazards it poses. For years, experts have warned about the dangers of the city’s polluted air, particularly during this time of year when the levels of pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 soar. But what does this mean for residents breathing in the toxic air, day in and day out? A common analogy used to make the gravity of this situation more relatable is that breathing Delhi’s air on days marked as ‘severe plus’ is equivalent to smoking anywhere from 23 to 45 cigarettes daily. But how accurate is this comparison? And what are the long-term health risks of living in such a polluted environment?
According to Dr. Shivakumar K, a specialist in respiratory medicine and the chief consultant at Kauvery Hospital in Bengaluru, the “cigarette equivalence of air pollution” is a method designed to explain the severe health effects of polluted air in terms people can easily understand. Dr. Shivakumar notes that the pollutants present in the air—especially fine particulate matter, or PM2.5—have a direct, damaging impact on the lungs and heart, much like smoking does.
“Pollutants like PM2.5 are tiny enough to enter the lungs and even pass into the bloodstream. These particles can inflame and damage the respiratory tract, leading to chronic respiratory diseases, heart problems, and even lung cancer over time,” Dr. Shivakumar explains. The analogy comparing exposure to severe air pollution with smoking cigarettes is used to help people grasp just how harmful the air in Delhi can be. The comparison isn’t meant to be literal, but it provides a tangible way to understand the immense toll polluted air can take on the body.
The numbers presented in the analogy are staggering. On days when the air quality is rated as ‘severe plus’, the pollution levels can be so high that breathing the air for just a few hours could be equivalent to smoking multiple packs of cigarettes. For a resident of Delhi, this means that with each passing day in these conditions, they are inhaling toxins that can lead to serious long-term health issues. This includes respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), along with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and heart attacks.
What’s even more concerning is that the harmful effects of air pollution are not just limited to the lungs and heart. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of air pollution also affects other organs, including the brain, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and an increased risk of strokes. Children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to such health risks, are particularly at risk during severe pollution episodes. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, can experience exacerbations that may require hospitalization.
The severity of the situation becomes clearer when you consider how much of Delhi’s population is affected by air pollution. With millions of people living in the city, many of them unknowingly subject themselves to these dangerous conditions daily. As Dr. Shivakumar points out, the key to mitigating the risks of air pollution lies in taking preventive measures and minimizing exposure whenever possible.
One of the most effective strategies to combat the effects of air pollution is limiting outdoor activities on days when air quality is particularly poor. Wearing a high-quality mask, such as an N95 respirator, can also provide some protection from inhaling harmful particles. People living in areas with severe air pollution are encouraged to stay indoors, especially during peak pollution hours in the morning and evening, when the concentration of harmful particles is the highest.
Furthermore, keeping windows and doors closed and using air purifiers indoors can help reduce the exposure to pollutants. For those who cannot avoid being outside, it is advisable to monitor air quality indexes through various apps and platforms to know when the air quality is at its worst and plan their activities accordingly.
Ultimately, Dr. Shivakumar urges people to stay informed and proactive about their health, particularly when pollution levels rise. “The most important thing we can do is to reduce exposure to polluted air, support efforts to improve air quality, and take better care of our lungs and hearts through regular health check-ups and lifestyle changes,” he advises.
As the air quality continues to deteriorate each year, the long-term implications for public health in Delhi grow more concerning. One of the most pressing challenges posed by poor air quality is the compounding effect on pre-existing health conditions. For people with asthma or chronic bronchitis, for instance, inhaling polluted air exacerbates the symptoms, leading to more frequent hospital visits and a reduced quality of life. In many cases, untreated long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to the early onset of chronic diseases, significantly impacting the economy as well, due to the burden of healthcare costs and loss of productivity.
Moreover, studies suggest that the effects of air pollution may even transcend generations. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to develop respiratory problems, allergies, and even stunted lung growth. As they grow older, the cumulative damage to their respiratory system may result in a lifetime of health struggles, making it more difficult for them to lead active, healthy lives.
For elderly residents, the risks are particularly acute. Older adults are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, and exposure to harmful pollutants can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications. Even for those without pre-existing heart conditions, the daily burden of breathing polluted air can eventually lead to a decline in overall health, contributing to a higher incidence of both chronic diseases and acute medical events.
While individuals may take personal measures to protect themselves, Dr. Shivakumar emphasizes that long-term solutions require broader efforts to tackle the root causes of air pollution. He advocates for stricter government regulations on industrial emissions, better waste management systems, and more efficient public transportation networks to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads. Additionally, Dr. Shivakumar supports increasing public awareness about the long-term health risks of air pollution and encouraging citizens to demand cleaner air from their leaders.
Government initiatives aimed at improving air quality have seen some progress, but there is still much more to be done. The shift toward cleaner, renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, would significantly reduce the levels of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. Similarly, investments in green spaces, urban planning, and sustainable construction practices can help mitigate the effects of pollution and improve the overall quality of life for Delhi residents.
In the meantime, while the battle against air pollution continues on a larger scale, personal responsibility remains crucial. By adopting healthier lifestyles, such as exercising indoors, using air purifiers, and maintaining a balanced diet to support lung health, residents can help protect themselves from the harmful effects of pollution.
As Delhi grapples with this ongoing public health crisis, it is essential for both individuals and government bodies to continue to work together in finding lasting solutions. While the analogy of smoking several cigarettes a day may seem extreme, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the city’s air pollution. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to improving air quality will Delhi’s residents be able to breathe easy once again.