82% Delhi Residents Report Severe Pollution-Linked Illnesses in Close Circles, Says Study

More than 80 per cent of people living in Delhi report severe illnesses that are linked to heightened pollution and toxic air, according to a recent survey. The recent review, conducted by community platform

LocalCircles, said a mix of poisonous air with smog, chemicals, dust, and smoke is causing severe health conditions among the residents, with many life-threatening symptoms. The survey also said nearly 30 per cent of the respondents have reported having four or more such individuals among family members, friends, neighbours, or colleagues who are affected. It said the health conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, lung damage, heart failure, strokes, and cognitive decline, which the respondents linked to a sustained exposure to polluted air.

Affordable healthcare costs are a big worry.

The survey also highlighted a growing anxiety over medical expenses, with 73 per cent of respondents saying they are worried about being able to afford healthcare for themselves and their families if they continue living in the region amid recurring pollution episodes. Since pollution increases the risk of chronic conditions, residents fear that the ongoing treatment can lead to high costs. A single pollution-triggered hospitalization in a private hospital in Delhi costs between Rs 35,000 and Rs 80,000. There have been various stories of residents spending over Rupees 8 lakhs on respiratory health in the last ten years, which include medicines, inhalers, nebulizers, tests, and an oxygen concentrator. News reports say various residents are now spending more than Rupees 2,500 to Rupees 3,000 every month on children’s nebulizers alone.

Delhi vanished behind dense fog and pollution.

Delhi has continued to choke under a thick blanket of smog and pollution with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498 – way more than it should be, falling in the higher spectrum of the "severe" category. According to the data, the air quality was "severe" at 38 weather-monitoring stations, while it was "very poor" at two. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

Life-threatening illnesses due to pollution

Experts are calling air pollution in Delhi a major public health emergency that causes a wide range of life-threatening illnesses, which include cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, and is linked to premature death. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, and toxic gases in the air penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing systemic damage beyond respiratory issues. Medical experts have likened the effects of breathing Delhi's air to smoking multiple cigarettes a day. Other serious health conditions include:

Cardiovascular diseases

Air pollution also increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats by causing inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels.

Chronic respiratory diseases

Conditions like COPD, chronic bronchitis, and asthma are widespread and exacerbated by high pollution levels.

Cancers

Long-term exposure to air pollutants is a major risk factor for developing lung cancer, even in non-smokers.

Impaired brain health

Pollutants lead to severe cognitive decline, which includes conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease that happen due to brain inflammation.

Pregnancy complications

Pollution exposure during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes like low birth weight and premature births.

Weakened immunity

Your body's ability to fight infections becomes suppressed due to constant exposure to high pollution, leading to more frequent and severe illnesses like pneumonia.