[ad_1]
India’s capital is hit by one of the worst air pollution episodes in years, according to information released on Monday, which increases the level of risk for city residents threatened by the new coronavirus, doctors said.
PHOTO GALLERY: The capital of India is hit by one of the worst episodes of air pollution in recent years. Source: Agerpres
Pollution in New Delhi nearly disappeared earlier this year when government authorities imposed a national quarantine to limit the spread of the coronavirus. However, the restrictions were lifted and the pollution returned.
The Delhi Air Quality Index (ICA), which includes the concentration of PM2.5 particles and larger pollutants, remained above 400, on a scale of 500, for five consecutive days, according to government data.
PM2.5 fine particles can causes cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, including lung cancer, and poses a particular risk for people diagnosed with COVID-19.
RV Asokan, the honorary secretary general of the 350,000 Medical Association of India, told Reuters that air pollution had made people more susceptible to the new coronavirus infection. “PM2.5 particles cross the nasal barrier, weaken the inner lining of the lungs, facilitating the spread of coronavirus infection,” Asokan explained.
Doctors and researchers around the world have also highlighted an association between pollution and death in patients whose lungs are weakened by the new coronavirus.
Levels of fine particles of PM2.5 exceeded the safe limit set by the World Health Organization Monday by 20 times (WHO), according to official data.
The five days with over 400 HAIs represent the longest period marked by such a high level of air pollution since November 2016. In general, November is the month with the highest level of air pollution in North India, both due to the burning of stubble by farmers and the fact that the colder weather helps keep pollutants in the atmosphere.
Delhi doctors, who have reported a sharp rise in the number of pollution-associated respiratory infections, fear a further increase in cases after next weekend’s Diwali festival, celebrated with firecrackers and fireworks, although this year they are been banned. pyrotechnic materials
India’s main environmental court, the National Green Tribunal, the sale and use of firecrackers is prohibited in the city of 20 million and surrounding localities, Monday through December 1, but some people will inevitably ignore the atmosphere, notes Reuters.
The court also ordered authorities to limit air pollution from all sources “given the risk of aggravation of COVID-19”.
In addition to setting fire to the stubble, pollution in New Delhi is also exacerbated by emissions from factories, vehicles and waste incineration.
The neighboring state of Punjab recorded at least 50,000 stubble fires this year, unchanged from a year ago, despite a campaign to encourage farmers to use other methods of clearing farmland after harvest.
Publisher: Georgiana Marina
.
[ad_2]
Source link
