The air quality in Delhi deteriorates significantly every year as the city approaches winter. This has become an alarming public health issue, affecting millions of residents, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
The onset of the colder season brings with it a toxic combination of farm fires from neighboring states, vehicular emissions, construction dust, and other pollutants that collectively contribute to the decline in air quality. As a result, citizens of the National Capital Region (NCR) are left to deal with dangerously polluted air, which poses severe health risks, particularly for individuals suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other life-threatening conditions.
Rising Respiratory Illnesses: A Growing Concern
According to health experts, the situation appears to be worsening at an unprecedented rate. They note that the number of patients suffering from respiratory problems has surged by 10 to 15 percent compared to previous years, a trend that indicates how rapidly the pollution levels are escalating. Many of these patients are being diagnosed with acute exacerbations, which refer to sudden worsening of symptoms, leading to an increase in hospitalizations. This surge is particularly concerning because it places an added strain on an already overburdened healthcare system.
The worsening air quality triggers a cascade of respiratory issues. As pollution intensifies, the number of attacks related to respiratory diseases also multiplies. Asthma and COPD patients are particularly vulnerable during this time, with more of them requiring stronger medications or increased dosages to manage their symptoms. The demand for drugs to control these diseases has skyrocketed as the toxic air continues to wreak havoc on public health.
Why Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates Before Winter
One of the primary reasons behind the drastic fall in air quality during this period is the practice of stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. After the harvest season, farmers in these regions often resort to burning leftover crop stubble to clear their fields quickly. This practice releases massive amounts of particulate matter and harmful gases into the atmosphere, which eventually drift toward Delhi and its surrounding areas due to prevailing wind patterns.
The issue of stubble burning has been a contentious one, with the Delhi government repeatedly urging the central government and neighboring states to take stricter measures to curb this practice. However, despite various efforts and policies, stubble burning continues to be a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution. Other factors include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust, all of which compound the problem and make it more difficult for authorities to manage the situation.
How Air Pollution Triggers Respiratory Diseases
Air pollution, particularly the presence of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), has a profound impact on human health. When these pollutants are inhaled, they penetrate deep into the respiratory system, irritating the airways and lungs. Over time, exposure to high levels of pollution can lead to chronic inflammation, which makes the respiratory system more susceptible to infections and diseases.
For individuals already suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, exposure to polluted air can trigger severe exacerbations, characterized by sudden worsening of symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing. These exacerbations often require immediate medical attention and can result in hospitalization. In severe cases, exacerbations can be life-threatening, especially for elderly individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
The harmful effects of air pollution are not limited to people with pre-existing conditions. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can also lead to the development of respiratory diseases in otherwise healthy individuals. Children, in particular, are at a higher risk of developing asthma and other respiratory problems due to their still-developing lungs.
Studies have shown that children living in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections, bronchitis, and reduced lung function. Similarly, adults who are exposed to air pollution for extended periods are at an increased risk of developing COPD, even if they do not have a history of smoking.
The Impact on Public Health and Healthcare Resources
The rise in respiratory illnesses due to poor air quality has placed an enormous burden on healthcare resources in the NCR. Hospitals and clinics are seeing a surge in patients seeking treatment for breathing difficulties, with many requiring hospitalization for acute exacerbations of asthma or COPD. As Dr. Chawla points out, the increase in hospital admissions is directly related to the worsening air pollution. This has led to a higher demand for medical interventions such as inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen therapy.
In addition to the strain on healthcare infrastructure, the economic costs associated with treating respiratory illnesses are also significant. Patients suffering from chronic respiratory conditions often require long-term treatment, which can be costly and financially draining, particularly for low-income families.
The Government’s Efforts
The Delhi government has repeatedly raised concerns about the worsening air quality and has implemented various measures to combat the issue. For example, the government has introduced odd-even traffic schemes to reduce vehicular emissions, promoted the use of public transport, and launched campaigns to increase awareness about the harmful effects of air pollution. Additionally, Delhi’s Chief Minister, Atishi Marlena, has highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of laws in neighboring states to curb stubble burning.
However, tackling the issue of air pollution requires coordinated efforts from both state and central governments, as well as cooperation from citizens. Reducing emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction activities, alongside stricter regulations on agricultural practices, are essential steps in improving air quality. Public awareness campaigns that promote the use of cleaner energy sources, reduce waste burning, and encourage green transportation can also play a crucial role in mitigating pollution levels.
The Bottom Line
The deteriorating air quality in Delhi is a severe public health crisis, particularly for those with respiratory diseases. As pollution levels continue to rise, the number of individuals suffering from respiratory issues will likely increase, leading to more hospitalizations and a higher demand for medical treatments. While the government has taken steps to address the problem, more comprehensive and sustained efforts are needed to protect the health of citizens.