Delhi pollution: How ‘severe’ AQI affects each age group

Lung cancer and respiratory illnesses like asthma are on the rise, with lung cancer appearing equally in smokers and non-smokers, even among young adults (8 per cent in their 30s, 40 per cent women). Rural areas face increased risk due to biomass fuel. Late diagnosis is common, despite advancements like low-dose CT scans, often linked to smoking.

AQI and respiratory health:

“Poor” AQI levels typically indicate unhealthy air for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. “Severe” AQI levels signify hazardous air quality for everyone, posing serious health risks even for healthy individuals. For individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer, these AQI levels can intensify symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. High pollution exposure can also lead to long-term complications, including reduced lung capacity and higher dependency on medical interventions such as oxygen therapy or hospitalization.

Specific pollutants and their effects

•Particulate Matter (PM2.5): These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and damage to lung tissue. PM2.5 is linked to increased respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function and cardiovascular problems.
•Ozone: This gas, formed from reactions between sunlight and pollutants from vehicles and industrial emissions, irritates the airways and can trigger asthma attacks. Ozone exposure can also worsen COPD and other lung diseases.
•Nitrogen Dioxide: This pollutant, primarily from vehicle exhaust and industrial sources, inflames the airways and increases susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Protecting vulnerable populations

When air pollution levels exceed 400 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), it enters the “severe” category, which poses serious health risks for vulnerable groups like children, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly.

1. Children: Developing lungs are more susceptible to pollutants, which can reduce lung function and stunted lung growth in children. Pollutants trigger asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory infections. They damage the immune system with increased risk of colds, flu and long-term lung disease. Air pollution can affect brain development, leading to memory and learning difficulties.

2. Adults: Higher risk of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) enters the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Long-term exposure significantly raises the risk of lung cancer. Decline in stamina, endurance and daily activity due to breathing difficulties.

3. Pregnant Women: Exposure to high pollution levels can restrict foetal growth. There is a higher risk of premature delivery. Pollutants can interfere with normal foetal development and lead to congenital defects. High AQI is associated with worsening asthma, fatigue, and increased risk of preeclampsia.

4. Elderly: Pollution aggravates chronic diseases like COPD, asthma and heart diseases. There is a higher susceptibility to strokes and heart attacks. There is an increased risk of pneumonia and bronchitis due to weakened immunity. Air pollution has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

So apart from wearing masks or using air filters, you must manage underlying conditions through medication, pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle changes.

(Dr Arvind Kumar is Chairman, Lung Transplant, Medanta, Gurugram)