Keep the windows closed, avoiding indoor burning of wood, and using a wet mop for cleaning can reduce dust exposure in this high AQI writes Gufran Beig

With the air quality in the national capital already in the “poor” category ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government has swung into action, coinciding with the Centre’s directive to implement GRAP Stage 1 and other related initiatives. City residents are bracing themselves for, yet another long winter of air pollution and the health hazards it causes.

Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the quantum of harmful particles, fumes, chemicals, and oxides in the air. It gauges levels on a scale from 0 to 500 and plays a crucial role in understanding the scale of the air pollution crisis. While the AQI under 50 is ideal and under 100 is liveable, once it crosses this level, it progressively indicates that the air we breathe is getting more harmful. AQI levels (100-200) can lead to eye and throat irritation, while higher levels can have several serious health impacts.

During the winter months, Delhi’s AQI levels become hazardous, exceeding 200 resulting in prolonged exposure to unhealthy levels of PM2.5. Several medical studies show that such exposure can lead to a range of serious health issues, including reduced lung function and development, cancer, premature mortality, cardiovascular symptoms such as unusual chest pain, and hematological abnormalities like anemia, leukemia, thrombocytosis, and venous thromboembolism.

To mitigate exposure, people are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and after sunset to avoid heavy exertion. You can opt for short walks, avoid jogging, and take frequent breaks. If unusual symptoms arise, such as coughing or chest discomfort, stop all activities. Keeping windows closed, avoiding indoor burning of wood or candles, and using wet mopping for cleaning can further reduce dust exposure. N95 or P100 masks may provide some protection when outside.

Also, the reality is that the transportation sector is growing rapidly, fuelled by increased vehicle ownership and the need to modernise outdated engine technology. The Government is proactively promoting electric mobility, recognising it’s immense potential to transform air quality. While it can upscale its efforts with more incentives and better infrastructure, citizens must also collaborate in this transition by embracing EVs more actively and making them their primary mode of personal transport. With the Delhi Metro and Delhi Transport Corporation already committed to using zero emission electric power trains for their trains and buses, it’s time for residents of the Capital too to follow their lead and make a stronger collective effort to eliminate dangerous exhaust pollutants, significantly improving air quality and public health.

We must create a cleaner and healthier future for Delhi residents. Controlling tailpipe emissions is critical for this. Mandating vehicle electrification, curtailing emissions from vehicles running on petrol and diesel, and retiring highly polluting older models where the emissions can’t be reduced must be considered.

While this will not be easy, the time for action is now or it may get too late. Concerns about the environmental impact of increased electricity demand for EVs will be addressed by transitioning to renewable energy sources. As India makes more strides in this direction, the growth of clean energy can mitigate the reliance on coal, ultimately benefiting the environment.

The author is a chair professor of NIAS, IISc-Campus, Bengaluru and Founder, SAFAR.