Delhi turns into Hitler’s gas chamber!

'This way for the gas, ladies and gentlemen' (said by the Nazis in concentration camp experience) - this is perhaps what Delhi's signboards should say as the city's air pollution is being compared to Hitler's gas chambers. What was used as a means of torture for Jews by the Nazi government has turned into the reality of every Delhiite!

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city shot up to 451 on a scale where the maximum level is 500. AQI above 300 means 'very unhealthy' air quality. It can have widespread effects in general population and can have serious impact on the sensitive group. It will trigger widespread health issues, followed by health warnings. Everyone is advised to avoid physical activity outdoors.

The crop burning in Haryana and Punjab is being blamed as the primary reason for this sudden toxic smog enveloping the city and its neighbouring areas.

Not many know that PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter), which is being overly used these days, is a deadly air pollutant which can settle in a person's lungs and can be hazardous to people's health. It is also responsible for reducing visibility.

The demand for air purifiers and anti-pollution masks have shot up substantially, as 200 million people fear succumbing to the toxic air.

Inhaling this air has been equated with smoking 50 cigarettes a day by doctors. So, who is worse, chain smokers or Delhiites? The latter, it seems.

So, in how many ways fog harms your body? What are its causes and effects? Here we take a look at the undercurrents of the subject.

What is smog?

It refers to a combination of smoke and fog, thus forming the word smog. It is a complex mixture that is formed by various pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and dust particles, which interact with the sunlight to form ground-level ozone, leading to the build-up of haze that hangs in industrial cities.

Causes of smog

Smog is caused as a result of industrial activities, vehicular traffic, open burning, higher temperature, Geography of a place, sunlight and calmer winds. These factors contribute to an all-encompassing smog, which can remain trapped in the atmosphere with higher temperature and sunlight.

Effects of smog

Exposure to smog can be severely harmful for the health of the exposed as it can cause/aggravate health conditions such as follows:

Chest infections/Irritation

Worsening of asthma/bronchitis/emphysema

Cold and eye irritation

Premature mortality

Damage to crops

Who is at a greater risk?   Smog affects everyone differently, depending on their lifestyle, health condition and age. The groups which are the most susceptible are:   Children & People with respiratory disorders.

Khadijah Nadeem

10 B