Winter in New Delhi, the city with the most polluted air in the world, has become a nightmare as many people, when leaving home, can’t see beyond their hands, feel their eyes irritated, and struggle to breathe while trying to walk faster.
These symptoms are a consequence of the environmental pollution in the capital of India, which has become the epicenter of one of the most serious environmental crises on the planet. With over 30 million inhabitants, this city has high levels of pollution turning the air into a toxic bubble, putting the health and lives of millions of people at risk. According to a recent study by the Karolinska Institute, 11.5% of deaths in Delhi are directly attributed to poor air quality, resulting in around 12,000 lives lost per year.
During winter, this issue becomes a real concern as the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi reaches alarming levels, exacerbated by a natural phenomenon called thermal inversion, which traps pollutants close to the ground. Last November, the AQI reached 828, far exceeding the established maximum measurement limits (500). This dense air laden with fine particles (PM2.5) not only affects the lungs but penetrates the bloodstream, significantly increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
A study analyzed the relationship between prolonged exposure to these particles and mortality in India over 10 years, concluding that each 10-microgram increase of PM2.5 per cubic meter raises mortality by 8.6%.
Pollution in the main river of New Delhi[/caption>
Causes of the environmental crisis in New Delhi
Pollution in New Delhi has several main sources such as:
Poor waste management
The burning of garbage remains a common practice in India. Although cost-effective, this solution generates toxic particles that directly affect the population’s health. Additionally, agricultural burning in the outskirts of Delhi during winter emits up to 17 times more particles than all other sources combined.
Overpopulation and vehicular chaos
With over 1.1 million vehicles in daily circulation, transportation contributes to over 50% of the city’s pollution. Prolonged traffic jams increase emissions of harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and PM2.5 particles. During rush hours, the average traffic speed drops to 15 km/h, doubling NO2 levels.
Religious festivals
The Diwali festival celebrated at the end of October temporarily increases pollution levels due to the massive use of candles, firecrackers, and fireworks, exacerbating the already delicate environmental situation.
A national-scale problem
The study highlights that the entire Indian population is exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO’s safe standards. In some regions, these levels reach 119 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly 24 times the recommended limit.
Pollution in New Delhi. Photo: Social media.
A challenge for the citizens of New Delhi
Experts conclude that current regulations in India are not sufficient to protect public health. Implementing stricter and more sustainable measures is essential to curb this crisis and ensure a cleaner future for future generations.
In this sense, New Delhi has become a symbol of the challenges faced by large cities in the face of climate change and pollution. The situation is critical but also an urgent call for global action to rethink urban development, transportation, and waste management, seeking solutions that allow breathing clean air.
EPA6624. NEW DELHI (INDIA), 05/11/2018.- View of buildings shrouded in haze in New Delhi, India, today November 5, 2018. Pollution levels in New Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital, soared today to “emergency” category, with readings far exceeding what the World Health Organization (WHO) considers “toxic.” EFE/ Harish Tyagi
The problems that air pollution can cause
The population of New Delhi is in danger as air pollution can cause a wide range of health problems, including:
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Lung cancer
- Respiratory infections
- Heart diseases
- Strokes
- Shortened lifespan
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of dementia
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight and size babies
Air pollution can have both short-term and long-term effects. Exposure to polluting particles activates the immune system, producing inflammatory molecules. These particles can also lodge in the lungs, where they continue to cause inflammation.
Household air pollution is a significant factor in ambient air pollution. The burning of wood and fossil fuels for cooking, heating, or lighting homes produces a large amount of polluting emissions.
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