Delhi Pollution: Stay indoors, wear N95 masks when outside, ensure ventilation

The Indian Express spoke to a few experts — environmentalists and scientists — and here’s what they have to say:

‘Ensure ventilation’

Dr Gufran Beig, a former project director of the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research and a retired scientist from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, said, “The pollution levels in Delhi have reached peak levels; any small trigger will amplify the situation. People should adopt cleaner fuels to avoid triggering vehicular emissions. As far as protection is concerned, it is essential to use N95 masks. Even if they do not completely stop finer particulate matter from entering the body, they can protect the upper respiratory tract to some extent. It is important to ensure ventilation. Many people think that sitting with windows closed will keep pollution out, but this is not true. Pollution is already trapped and will continue to sustain like this. Air circulation is crucial to clear it. Therefore, minimise outdoor activities for a few days until the weather becomes favourable.”

‘Don’t add to the problem’

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, India, said, “All that you can do is see that you do not add to the problem. However, keep in mind that when meteorological conditions are adverse, you cannot solve the issue. Pollution will persist until there is some wind and natural ventilation. We need to control the major sources of pollution to prevent further loading.

Roychowdhury further said that residents should reduce their exposure as much as possible by staying indoors and avoiding outdoor exercise.

“Nobody should think that just by doing that, the air is going to clean up overnight. It does not happen. Because right now, the natural ventilation efficiency is absolutely very low… That’s the reason why tough measures become necessary. That’s what people have to keep in mind, that you don’t add more to the problem… and that’s where the whole public support will have to be built up now,” Roychowdhury added.

‘Consume electricity wisely’

Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at Envirocatalysts, said, “In the last few years, this is the worst air pollution episode we have seen in November. Urgent measures include reducing activities that put physical strain on the body, such as exercising, walking, or jogging. We should stay indoors as much as possible and wear masks when going out.

For children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart diseases, this is an emergency.

“Not everyone can afford masks and purifiers, but those at risk should adopt them. We also need to reduce our pollution contribution by avoiding private transportation and relying on public transport. Taking leave from work and school can help reduce pollution levels.”

Dahiya further said that people must adopt better waste management practices to avoid burning waste, which increases pollution.

Additionally, Delhi residents should consume electricity wisely, as much of the city’s electricity comes from coal-burning states like Haryana and Punjab, he said. Reducing demand can lead to less coal being burned.

Residents also have a responsibility to question governments and companies about reducing pollutant emissions by installing efficient technologies, Dahiya said, adding that policymakers do not fear losing votes over pollution issues because public concern is low.

“So we have to come out of that mentality and start saying that yes, we have to take certain actions, we will take those actions… These are some steps we need to take as citizens,” he added.