Smog and its hazardous effects

It is no news that Delhi and NCR region is covered by smog that includes hazardous particles that is available in the air seven times more than what is safe. It is, therefore, no wonder that the number of patients suffering from asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has increased by 15 to 2 per cent.  This mixture of smoke and fog comprises fine particles of gases such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NO2), and ground level ozone. Needless to mention that these chemicals are harmful. Oxidizing may lead to worrying health issues.

Here are some symptoms that smog causes when it affects the health: 

Wheezing

Dryness of nose and throat

Reduced performance of the lungs

Irritation in eyes and nose

Shortness of breath

Inflammation of breathing passages

Pain during deep inhalation

Coughing

Decreased immunity

Worse and more frequent asthma attacks

Lung cancer

The quality of the air - whether it is healthy to breathe or not - can be determined. Ambient air quality helps that.

Ambient air quality in India:

Ambient air quality is the measure of the condition or quality of air that surrounds the people. There are National Ambient Air Quality Standards laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It is applicable nationwide. Before November 2009 standards, India had set Air Quality standards on 11 April 1994, and this was later revised on 14 October 1998. The 2009 standards further dropped the highest permissible limits for pollutants. The measurement of air quality is based on eight pollutants - PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb. National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed and the worst reading of these pollutants represents the AQI for that city. Air quality declines because of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM).