Delhi is under the blanket of thick miasma which leads to the rapid downfall in air quality and visibility. This smog has created hazardous conditions in the city. IMA, i.e. the Indian Medical Association also issued the notice regarding warning of several health hazards and portraying the city as public health emergency state. They also refused authorities to shut down the schools for a precautionary measure.
As per Arvind Kejriwal Delhi has turned into a gas chamber and every year this situation arises. He also tweeted that according to AQI measurements presence of PM that is little Particulate Matter that could go through deep inside lungs of human and can root respiratory problems. Lets us know what actually is the smog, its causes, effects and also what we can do regarding this matter so that we can avoid falling sick:
What is smog?
Smog is a type of air pollution and is a mixture of fog and smoke. It passes on misty fog, cloudiness and smell. This sort of noticeable air pollution is compiled of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, smoke, ozone and other particulates that are comparatively less visible pollutants such as CFCs, carbon monoxide and radioactive sources. Man-made smog is a result of vehicular emissions, coal emissions, industrial emissions, forest and farming fires as well as photochemical effects of these emanations.
Causes of Smog in Delhi
Delhi shares its borders with agricultural states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana consequently; one of the major causes why national capital is experiencing such levels of pollution is due to lit garbage, crop burning and street dust. Moreover, regardless of the ban on firecrackers, there were numerous areas in Delhi-NCR where several individuals have burnt crackers that have taken the smog level to higher level.
In addition, the pollution caused by smoke emerged from trucks, cars, buses and industries jointly add up and generate inappropriate living conditions. As the winter season is positioning in, dust particles and the pollution in the air are unable to flee from the environment due to heavy winds.
Harmful Effects of Smog
As per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it might be hazardous to inhale smog excessively. Smog includes a pollutant known as ozone; higher ozone levels can contain an assortment of harmful effects on your respiratory systems. Extended contact to smog can result in different sorts of temporary health issues such as:
- Difficulty in breathing along with lung damage- Smog might make it sense challenging to breathe in deeply, particularly throughout a workout because of condensed lung function.
- Throat or chest annoyance as well as coughing – elevated levels of ozone can aggravate your lungs and other respiratory organs, commonly lasting for some hours after you have been contacted to smog. Though, ozone can carry on damaging your lungs even once symptoms vanish.
On the whole, smog can ground or worsen health problems like emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis as well as other respiratory problems. Furthermore, it causes eye irritation and diminishes body’s resistance to lung infections and colds. The ozone level in smog as well slows down plant development and might reason extensive damage to food crops and woodlands.
How to protect yourself from adverse effects of Smog?
- Avoid the extended outdoor exertion, if you are sensitive to pollution, old aged persons and children should also avoid prolonged open-air exertion.
- Know about the proper ozone levels in your place and plan for outdoor activities only when ozone levels are lower.
- Settle your activities calmer on smoggy days, since the more forceful your activity intensity, the bigger your possibilities of experiencing health issues like respiratory problems.
- Last but not the least, your best protection from this dangerous situation is observing your input towards reducing the air pollution by steps like car-pooling, conserving energy or using public transportation etc.
These simple yet effective steps can aid defending and guard you and your family on hazy and smoggy days.
