Air pollution wreaking havoc on Delhi

In a latest study done by the World Health Organisation (WHO), India’s national capital Delhi is the most polluted city in the world. According to the reports of the Ambient Air Pollution (AAP), Delhi has the uppermost concentration of PM2.5- kind of air pollution, which is considered most threatening and responsible for causing multiple respiratory issues and other health complications. The condition is menacing in Delhi because it has PM2.5 concentrations of 153 micrograms and PM10 concentrations of 286 micrograms which are way beyond the permissible limits.

In 2012, WHO released estimates about 7 million deaths because of air pollution exposure. This data thwarted previous estimates and substantiates that air pollution is now the world’s leading environmental health hazard. Reducing pollution levels could save countless lives.

The new data reveals a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure and heart ailments, like strokes, as well as between air pollution and cancer. This is in addition to air pollutant’s role in the growth of chronic respiratory infections and obstreperous pulmonary disorders.

Deaths caused by outdoor air pollution

• Ischemic heart disease: 40%
• Stroke: 40%
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): 11%
• Lung cancer: 6%
• Lower respiratory issues in children: 3%

Deaths caused by indoor air pollution

• Stroke: 34%
• Ischemic heart disease: 26%
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): 22%
• Lower respiratory issues in children: 12%
• Lung cancer: 6%

Numerous people are exposed to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Dr Carlos Dora (WHO Coordinator for Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health) says, “One of the reasons for causing air pollution is mismanagement of energy, waste management and transport sectors. WHO and health sectors have a positive role to play in deciphering scientific proof into result-driven policies that will save millions of lives.”

The release of this data is an important step in creating a road-map for WHO in preventing air pollution related diseases. This includes development of WHO-hosted global platform on air quality and supporting countries through appropriate guidance and information about health gains and key interventions.