Understanding Smog and how to stay healthy during it

What do you do when you wake up one day to find nothing visible from your window? People of Delhi are facing the same kind of situation. They can only see the dark haze surrounding their city, They are told not to venture outside as a health precaution. Kids are taking online classes from home and going out has become a health risk.

Delhi smog is quite infamous and a recurring issue now. Every year after Diwali, the people of the national capital experience this period when dense fog engulfs Delhi and the NCR(National Capital Region), particularly during the winter months. They have to deal with toxic air and various traffic restrictions due to a combination of human activities and environmental conditions.

Reasons behind Delhi Smog:

 Here are the main reasons behind it:

1. Stubble Burning in Neighboring States:

It is the practice of setting fire to the leftover crop residues (stubble) in fields after harvesting, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This practice contributes to air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas, especially during October and November. The main reason is the short window farmers usually have between harvesting paddy (rice) and planting wheat, they find the stubble burning a quick solution to clear fields.

Mechanical removal of stubble is so expensive and to get it removed manually requires manpower which is costly. Besides, they don’t have access to affordable alternatives like Happy Seeder, machines that plant wheat without removing stubble.

2. Vehicular Pollution:

Delhi has previously experienced the odd and even rule for taking fewer vehicles on the road. Its high population density often leads to significant vehicle emissions. Burning of petrol and diesel releases nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, contributing to smog. Delhi’s heavy traffic frequently increases the idling of cars on the road resulting in more fuel consumption and emissions.  Two-wheelers, though fuel-efficient, lack advanced emission control systems so they are not of any help for pollution.  Diesel-powered vehicles also produce higher nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions than petrol-powered ones.

3. Industrial Emissions:

Multiple contributors to industrial pollution in and around Delhi are one reason for smog. Factories in and around Delhi release pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases. Brick kilns, power plants, and construction sites add significant particulate matter to the environment.

Power plants around Delhi, especially in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, burn fossil fuels like coal, releasing greenhouse gases, NOₓ, SO₂, and particulate matter. Dust from construction and demolition activities adds to the particulate pollution. Delhi experiences rapid urbanization, with ongoing construction contributing large amounts of dust to the air. This dust mixes with other pollutants, worsening smog formation.

4. Winter Weather Conditions:

Winter conditions significantly contribute to smog formation in Delhi due to meteorological and human-induced factors.  During winter, the ground cools faster than the air above at night, creating a temperature inversion.

 Cool and dense air remains trapped near the ground, while warmer air forms a cap above it. This traps pollutants causing smog to accumulate. During winter, winds often slow down, limiting the dispersion of pollutants leading to a buildup over time.

6. Firecrackers During Festivals:

Smog in Delhi during and after Diwali is a major environmental concern, primarily driven by the widespread use of firecrackers. Firecrackers during Diwali and other celebrations increase the smog problem. Firecrackers release a mix of harmful gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and carbon monoxide (CO), as well as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). These pollutants linger in the air, especially under the stagnant conditions of Delhi's winter.

7. Geographical Location:

Delhi's landlocked position makes it more vulnerable to pollution, as there is less natural airflow to disperse pollutants compared to coastal areas.  Delhi is surrounded by other states like Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Unlike coastal cities, Delhi lacks the benefit of sea breezes that could disperse pollutants.

 Pollutants from neighbouring regions, including smoke from stubble burning, industrial emissions, and dust, accumulate over the city. The Aravalli Range, located south and southwest of Delhi, has lost much of its forest cover due to urbanization and mining. Historically, the range acted as a natural barrier for dust and pollutants. The degradation of this natural shield has reduced its ability to mitigate air pollution.

Consequences of Dense Smog:

Major consequences are mainly on health, visibility and movement.

Health Effects:

There is an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly for children and the elderly. It causes difficulty in breathing, coughing, throat irritation, and wheezing. Besides, for sick people, it aggravates asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and increases the risk of lung infections.

High pollution levels can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure due to reduced oxygen supply and increased systemic inflammation.  Children can experience lung infections, increased asthma attacks, and respiratory infections.  The elderly should take precautions as going out can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases due to weaker immune systems.

Reduced Visibility:

Smog badly Impacts transportation, causing accidents and delays due to poor visibility. Moisture in the air condenses around particulate pollutants, intensifying the smog and reducing visibility further.

Economic Loss:

 Disruption of daily life, including school closures and reduced productivity. People tend to cancel their visits and business trips due to fear of illness.

How to stay healthy when your city is engulfed in smog

Staying healthy during Delhi’s smog season requires minimizing exposure to polluted air, strengthening your body’s resilience, and using protective measures. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Minimize Outdoor Exposure:

It is impossible for those who go out for work but kids, the elderly and all those who suffer from respiratory problems should stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and evening when pollution levels are highest. If you have a habit of going for a walk or jogging, try to reschedule exercise in the comfort of your home during smoggy periods.

It is better to check the Air Quality Index (AQI), monitor it through apps or websites and avoid going outside when levels are "unhealthy" or worse.

2. Use Protective Measures:

It is advisable to wear N95 or N99 masks. These masks filter out fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and provide better protection than cloth or surgical masks. Use air purifiers in your home, especially in bedrooms. Close windows and doors of your home and effectively seal them to prevent polluted air from entering. Use weather stripping to block gaps.

3. Boost Indoor Air Quality:

Houseplants can be a good source of improving the air quality of your home. Air-purifying plants like snake plants, areca palms, or peace lilies improve indoor air. Refraining from activities that can worsen the indoor air quality of your home activities, such as smoking, using candles, or burning incense should be avoided.

4. Strengthen Your Immunity:

Certain health precautions are required to stay healthy. Stay Hydrated by drinking plenty of water, it will also help flush out toxins from your system. Eat a nutrient-rich diet to strengthen your immunity. Focus on foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits such as oranges and berries and vegetables like spinach and carrots. Add omega-3 fatty acids to your daily diet with walnuts, flaxseeds, or fish to combat inflammation. Turmeric and ginger are considered best to boost immunity, so have them in any form or concoction.

5. Manage Respiratory Health:

Those having respiratory problems will feel better by steam inhalation. It helps clear nasal passages and soothe irritated airways. Saline Nasal Spray also keeps nasal passages moist and reduces irritation from pollutants. If you have asthma or other respiratory issues, ensure you have taken prescribed medications and inhalers readily.

6. Keep Yourself and Your Surroundings Clean:

Wash frequently to keep yourself clean. Wash your face, hands, and exposed skin after coming home to remove pollutants. Regularly mop floors and clean surfaces to reduce dust accumulation indoors.

7. Limit Driving and Use Public Transport:

If you are a working professional, carpooling or using public transport like the Metro is advisable. Reducing your vehicle usage contributes to lower pollution levels overall. Keep your car windows closed, instead use air conditioning with a cabin air filter when driving.

By taking precautions, you can minimize the health impacts of smog and protect yourself and your family during pollution-heavy periods in Delhi.