As air pollution levels continue to rise in Delhi, a survey has found that nearly 69% of families have at least one member suffering from pollution-related illnesses such as sore throat, breathing issues, and cough.
On Diwali night, the national capital faced extreme pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the hazardous level of 999 in several areas. A digital platform, Local Circles, conducted a survey of over 21,000 residents across the Delhi-NCR region, revealing the alarming effects of air pollution on their health.
Survey Findings on Delhi Air Pollution
The survey indicates that 62% of families report one or more members experiencing burning eyes due to the worsening air quality, while 46% have individuals suffering from runny noses or congestion.
Additionally, 31% of respondents reported experiencing breathing difficulties or asthma, with the same percentage experiencing headaches. Nearly 23% mentioned feelings of anxiety or difficulty concentrating, and 15% faced sleep disturbances, raising overall health concerns.
Interestingly, 31% of those surveyed claimed that neither they nor their families had reported any pollution-related health issues.
Also Read- Can Air Pollution Worsen Your Mental Health?
According to the survey, “With many already suffering from cough and cold, as well as respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the severe or hazardous AQI levels post-Diwali are likely to exacerbate these conditions.”
As experts predict a further increase in pollution levels with the arrival of winter, the survey revealed that 15% of the 10,630 respondents plan to leave the city temporarily during this period. Currently, Delhi’s AQI falls within the 300-500 range, with many areas classified as having ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ air quality following the Diwali festivities.
While 15% of Delhi residents indicated they would go about their daily activities while wearing face masks, about 23% plan to rely on air purifiers. A significant portion of the population appears willing to endure the pollution with minimal protective measures.