About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

No Time Safe to Go Outdoors in Delhi: Medical Experts

by Bidita Debnath on November 2, 2017 at 11:59 PM
 No Time Safe to Go Outdoors in Delhi: Medical Experts

More than half a million Indians are estimated to have died prematurely in 2015 due to particulate matter (PM) 2.5 air pollution. PM2.5 is one of the deadliest components of air pollution.

As Delhi and its adjoining areas see constant dip in the air quality, medical experts came up with a health advisory that suggested against outdoor exercises, saying "there is no safe time to be outdoors".

Advertisement


According to the advisory, while the city with high volume of pollutants in the air is bad for exercising, running or participating in a marathon can add at least two tablespoonfuls of toxic ash to the lungs.

Wednesday saw a further fall in Delhi's air, with Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging from 440 to 400 considered "severe" being recorded at different locations including R.K Puram and Siri Fort in South Delhi, Delhi Technical University (DTU) in North Delhi, ITO in Central Delhi, Anand Vihar in Northeast Delhi and Punjabi Bagh in West Delhi.
Advertisement

The data was based on the readings of monitoring stations of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

All other regions in Delhi and NCR recorded either "severe" or "very poor" air quality, with PM2.5, or particles with diameter less than 2.5mm, acting as the major pollutant.

"Running a marathon in these air conditions can deposit approximately two tablespoonfuls of toxic ash in your lungs," the advisory stated, adding that it was vital to plan exercise environment very carefully.

The PM2.5 value of 10 monitoring stations of the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) was found ranging between 392 and 326 units against the permissible limit of 60 units as per national standards and 25 units as per international standards.

"The current level of air pollution in Delhi affects even the unborn child in mother's womb," advisory added.

The advisory points out that while a normal adult breathes approximately six litres of air per minute at rest, during exercising it increases to 20 liters. With current air-pollution in Delhi and NCR, this increases toxins in lungs. "Exercising is vital for health but not when we are breathing poison."

The advisory endorsed by seven medical practitioners, including those from the Department of Respiratory Medicine and Chest Surgery of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital states that even N-95 standard masks, which stops fine particles, "could be suffocating while exercising".

"Exercise areas should be at least 200 meters away from roads, construction sites and smoke-emitting industry," advisory says, adding that "even this does not guarantee clean air".

Source: IANS
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Environmental Health

Groundbreaking Study Forecasts 2023 as Hottest Year on Record
As global warming accelerates, the need for immediate and ongoing action to mitigate climate change's catastrophic consequences becomes imperative.
How Forever Chemicals Lead to Delayed Puberty?
Forever chemicals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in children, may cause them to mature later during puberty.
Carbon Footprint of a Hospital Bed Calculated
To achieve more substantial reductions in emissions, hospital sustainability efforts must extend their focus beyond the surface.
Most Parents Report Children Facing Poor Air Quality
Most parents in Canada support moving school activities indoors to protect children from poor air quality.
Rising Demand for Bioinsecticides Reflects a Transition to Eco-Friendly Agriculture
The increasing demand for bioinsecticides reflects a broader shift toward sustainable agriculture, prioritizing long-term ecological health and food security.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

No Time Safe to Go Outdoors in Delhi: Medical Experts Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests