Dense smog in Delhi's winter, what are its dangers and how to avoid it?: Smog in Delhi

Smog in Delhi: On a winter morning, when there is a white sheet spread outside, the view looks attractive. But when this air starts mixing in your breath and there is a burning sensation in the eyes, then understand that it is not cold but dangerous and poisonous smog. Smog has now become a serious problem, and we need to understand it and find solutions to deal with it.

Every year with the onset of winter, major cities of North India, especially Delhi, are enveloped in a thick blanket of smog. This fog is not just a sign of cold, but it exposes a dangerous truth. This mist is nothing but 'smog', which is a dangerous mixture of air pollution that harms our health with every breath. According to the recent report of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Air Quality Index (AQI) has now reached dangerous levels in many cities of India and this situation is increasing every year.

Also read: What is the way to protect yourself from smog?: Winter Smog Protection

Do you know what is the difference between fog and smog?

Fog: It is a natural fog formed due to moisture in cold air. It is formed from small water particles, which are generally harmless. Fog often just hinders visibility and does not cause any major problems.

Smog (Smoke and Fog): Now this is no ordinary fog. Smog is a dangerous mixture of fog and air pollution. It is caused by smoke, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. Smog can cause eye irritation, difficulty breathing and heart and lung problems.

AQI of major cities (data for November 2024):

Delhi: 450 (Critical)
Gurgaon: 400 (Critical)
Ghaziabad: 430 (serious)
Noida: 420 (serious)
Mumbai: 180 (medium)
Bengaluru: 140 (satisfactory)
Chennai: 120 (satisfactory)

It is clear from these figures that the air pollution level of Delhi-NCR is higher than other cities of the country.

Reason behind air pollution

According to the IMD report, the increase in pollution levels in November and December is not just the result of cold winds, but there are many other complex reasons behind it. All these reasons together make the air more poisonous and dangerous for our health. Let us know why and how this pollution is increasing:

Stubble Burning:
Every year in October and November, farmers in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh burn stubble in the fields. As soon as the flames rise, this smoke dissolves in the air and spreads to other cities including Delhi. Due to this, dense smoke fills the air and this white sheet becomes a poisonous sheet.

Cold and still air:
As the temperature drops in winter, the air also becomes cold and heavy. The cold air collects polluted particles near the ground, like a trap. Because of this the level of pollution increases significantly. This situation worsens the air quality further, due to which pollution remains stuck in the air and we have difficulty breathing.

Smoke from vehicles:
Lakhs of vehicles run on the roads of Delhi every day. The smoke and carbon emitted from these vehicles become a major cause of smog. As winter progresses, polluted particles emitted from vehicles also become more dissolved in the air. These polluted particles gradually affect the air quality and can be harmful for our respiratory system.

industrial pollution:
Smoke emanating from industrial areas in and around Delhi also plays a major role in increasing pollution. Smoke and chemicals emitted from factories and industries accumulate in the atmosphere in winter, further worsening the air quality.

Effect of firecrackers:
Pollution levels suddenly increase due to burning of firecrackers during Diwali and other festivals. The smoke, chemicals and heavy smoke emitted from firecrackers mix into the air and worsen the air quality further.

Problems caused by smog

Smog has a profound impact on health and can affect people of all ages, although it can be especially dangerous for children and the elderly, causing everything from respiratory illnesses to heart and lung problems. Is made.

Health Effect on –

respiratory diseases: Asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems are on the rise. It is more dangerous especially for children and the elderly, because their physical condition is already weak.

Effect on children and elderly: It affects the physical development of children and their immunity, while the elderly have to face serious problems related to heart and lungs.

Eye irritation and skin itching: Due to exposure to smog, problems like irritation in eyes, itching and skin allergies are occurring. It is especially dangerous for children and the elderly.

serious effects on heart and lungsPollution increases the risk of heart and lung diseases, putting the lives of not only the youth but also the elderly at risk.

Accidents and economic effects due to smog –

Smog reduces visibility, which increases the risk of road accidents.

Hospitalization and health care expenses increase.

Loss of working hours and decline in productivity is observed.

Measures to prevent air pollution

Efforts at individual level-

Wear an N95 mask: Always wear a high-quality N95 mask when going out with high levels of pollution, so that you can protect yourself from harmful particles suspended in the air.

Use Air Purifier: Use air purifiers to keep indoor air clean, especially during pollution seasons.

Avoid going out in the morning and evening: These are the times when pollution levels are highest. Avoid going out during these hours.

Adopt healthy eating habits: Consume vitamin C and antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and green leafy vegetables to strengthen your immunity.

Plant plants at home: Plants like Tulsi, Money Plant, Aloe Vera help in purifying the air inside the house.

collective and government efforts–

Ban on burning of stubble: Provide alternative technologies and support to farmers.

Vehicle Control: Promote public transport, encourage electric vehicles.

Strictness on industrial emissions: Tighten pollution controls in factories.

Tree Plantation: Run tree plantation campaigns in urban areas.

public awareness: Increase public awareness on pollution and prevention methods.

Safe air quality for newborns:

The physical condition of a newborn baby is very sensitive, and it is necessary for them to take special care of air quality. The AQI level should be below 50, which is considered 'good'. Extra precautions are necessary for newborn babies.

• Install air purifier for pure air inside the house.
• Check the air quality before taking your baby outside.
• Smoking can be harmful to the baby's health.
• Use soaps and lotions made from natural ingredients for baby's skin.
• When air quality is poor, keep windows closed and avoid outside air.
• When air pollution levels are high, avoid letting your child go outside and keep them indoors.

every year AQI how to grow?

• Promote solar and wind energy. Reduce use of coal and petroleum.
• Control emissions from factories and vehicles. Promote clean fuel.
• Provide education on pollution in schools and colleges. Run a tree plantation campaign.
• Plant trees in parks, gardens and roadsides. Increase cycle tracks and public transport.
• Use local products. Minimize use of plastic.

Collective efforts are necessary to prevent smog and air pollution. We have to take steps at both individual and government levels so that we can ensure a healthy and clean environment.