1. Air pollution in new delhi, india
rehan ranadive, saaz sahani

3. Causes of the problem
Pollution due to vehicle emissions, industry, construction, residential fuel burning
10,000 tons of municipal waste is burned per day, causing pollution levels to increase exponentially
7.4 million cars in New Delhi alone
Sulphur dioxide emissions from coal- fired power plants have risen by 60% from
Low standard of local public transport forces people to take cars and buses

4. Situation in new delhi
The government has recommended that all citizens wear masks to protect themselves from the pollution
There was a closure for 3 days of public schools, 10-day closure of power plants and a 5-day halt of all construction activities
People have declared the city “too dangerous to walk in”, with several complaints of breathlessness, giddiness, redness and watering of the eyes, etc.

6. Effects of the pollution
Heavy exposure to high levels of air pollutants especially affects individuals with respiratory problems like asthma, but also those with cardiac and nervous system problems
It greatly increases the chances of heart attack and stroke
Pollutants can affect foetal growth, and is especially dangerous for young children as it can cause defects in lung growth from an early age - every third child in New Delhi has reduced lung function
Exposure to air pollution also makes children more vulnerable to pulmonary disorders, hypertension, ADHD and depression

8. “Particulate matter” refers to microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the air, and is often used to assess air quality.
The world average for PM is 71µg/m3, while in Delhi it is currently at 226µg/m3
When particulate matter is inhaled, it passes into the bloodstream and causes damage to the heart and blood vessels; the smaller the particles are, the more likely they are to penetrate the lung tissue
Increased risk of chronic bronchitis, and reduces the overall life expectancy

9. measures to curb the problem
The use of masks and air purifiers has been encouraged
Odd-even rule for cars
Regular “PUC” checks by police, to assess emission levels of vehicles
Efforts to shift local transport to natural gas rather than petrol and diesel
The government is yet to propose a concrete, long term solution for this problem

10. Sources
rising-air-pollution-levels-in-delhi/
continues-aggravates-health-problems _1.html
can-cut-life-expectancy-affect-heart-lead-to-cancer /
safeguard-yourself-from-the-citys-toxic-air /