Delhi Air Quality: The National Capital woke up to a thick layer of smog engulfing the city today. The deteriorating air quality and smog led to poor visibility and consequently, the Indira Gandhi International Airport had to divert flights heading to Delhi.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), very dense fog began forming at around 5.30 am, due to which visibility was reduced across the city. The air quality Index (AQI) has worsened from 316 on Tuesday evening to 370 on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, several regions in the capital region recorded an AQI of over 300.
Aya Nagar, Anand Vihar and Delhi University’s North Campus recorded the worst air quality in the city with air quality crossing over 400 on Wednesday, which falls under the severe category, according to the data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Meanwhile, doctors and health experts have warned that as the air quality continue to worsen, the impact on health can be alarming especially to the vulnerable section of the population. Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi said that air pollution is widely recognized as a significant risk factor for poor health outcomes, particularly in pregnant women.
“Pregnancy makes women more vulnerable to air pollution. Pollutants can penetrate the placenta and harm the growing fetus, causing conditions including preeclampsia, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, as well as have long term effects on neuronal and behavioral development in adult life,” Dr. Bajaj told Financial Express.com.
According to international studies, air pollution causes roughly six million preterm births worldwide. Pregnant women who live in polluted environments are more likely to experience preterm labor, which raises the risk of low birth weight, undeveloped lungs, and infant mortality during or after birth.
“Poor air quality has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, including cardiac and respiratory issues as well as cognitive impairment. It can even result in death. According to research, air pollution is more harmful to children while pregnant. Researchers have shown that air pollution levels below existing regulations have harmful impacts on both the mother and the fetus,” Dr. Bajaj revealed.
What are the symptoms of prolonged air pollution exposure?
Common symptoms of prolonged air pollution exposure include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Eye and sinus irritation
- Advanced respiratory diseases like bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema
- Chronic fatigue
- Decreased lung capacity and shortness of breath
- Damage to lungs and heart
- Cancer
Although air pollution isn’t healthy for any living creature, it has the most severe impact on pregnant women, children, babies, those with respiratory problems, and the elderly, American Pregnancy Association maintains.
What are the potential dangers of being exposed to air pollution during pregnancy?
According to American Pregnancy Association, air pollution can have serious implications on pregnant women and their babies like:
- Low Birth Weight
- Preterm Birth
- Autism
- Asthma
- Fertility Problems
How to protect yourself from air pollution while pregnant?
Here are some ways to protect yourself:
- Get an air purifier
- Protect your air
- Stay inside
- Get air-purifying plants