As air in Delhi NCR hits peak toxicity, every family surveyed now has one or more individuals experiencing pollution related health ailments

November 20, 2024, New Delhi: The worsening air quality in Delhi NCR, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) between 450 to 500 or severe plus range in most part is adversely impacting the health of many people, both young and old. With pollution levels having reached dangerous levels like AQI of over 1000 and PM 2.5 of 1500 in many parts of Delhi earlier this week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for Delhi NCR has enforced Stage 4 measures of Graded Response Actions Plan (GRAP) from November 18th. Under this action plan, there is restriction on truck movement in Delhi, operation of polluting industries, brick kilns, trash burning, and construction activities. The state government of Delhi and local administrations of NCR cities have directed school authorities to conduct online classes, while polluting vehicles have been stopped from plying in the national capital region.

The toxic air is known to have immediate and long-term health risks, increasing the likelihood of serious diseases like asthma, pneumonia and even lung cancer. As the AQI rises, pollutants enter the body through the lungs, affecting various organs in the process. Starting with mild discomfort like headaches, nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough, it can also lead to skin problems and other serious conditions. Long-term exposure to polluted air can cause chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. The government has been trying to curb air pollution using a lot of measures including limiting the use of vehicles to ordering government offices to operate at 50% capacity. But so far, these measures have not helped to improve the air quality. Apart from short term impact, air pollution is known to have long term effects on various bodily systems. For the respiratory system, pollutants can aggravate or cause diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and even more serious conditions like lung cancer. Air pollution is also known to elevate the risk of heart disease. Fine particulate matters are reported to have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, as well as hypertension.

Given that AQI reached new peaks earlier this week in Delhi NCR and PM 2.5 of up to 1500 was reported in parts of Delhi, LocalCircles has conducted a new survey to find out how those residing in Delhi NCR are coping with elevated levels of air pollution, which is being compared to living in a gas chamber. The survey received over 21,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. 63% respondents were men while 37% respondents were women.

75% Delhi NCR families have one or more members with sore throat, cough while 58% have headache due to rising levels of pollution; 50% have someone having breathing difficulty/asthma due to highly toxic levels of pollution

The first question in the survey asked Delhi NCR families, “What are all the ailments you or members of your family in Delhi NCR are now experiencing due to the air pollution?” Some among the 9,905 respondents to the question indicated more than one health issue. The largest group of 75% indicated “sore throat and/or cough”; 58% indicated “headache”; 50% indicated “breathing difficulty/ asthma”; 42% indicated "difficulty sleeping”; 33% indicated “runny nose and/or congestion”; 33% indicated "burning eyes”; and 33% indicated "anxiety and/or difficulty in concentrating”. To sum up, 75% of Delhi NCR families have one or more members with sore throat, cough while 58% have headache due to rising levels of pollution; 50% have someone having breathing difficulty/asthma due to highly toxic levels of pollution. Every family have someone with one or more ailments due to the toxic air.

The percentage of families surveyed who reported that they or some family members are unwell has increased from 69% on November 1 to 75% on 19 November, however compared to one month back more than double the families have indicated that they or family members have been impacted due to rising pollution levels in Delhi NCR.

27% of Delhi NCR families surveyed using air purifiers to reduce impact of pollution; a large majority just living with it by increasing intake of immunity foods and drinks; 23% not doing anything to protect themselves

The impact of high pollution is such that most families are looking at various ways to minimize its effect on their health. The survey next asked residents of Delhi NCR, “With Delhi NCR’s AQI crossing the 400-mark, what best describes what you and your family are doing to handle this?” The question received 12,158 responses with some indicating more than one option. 16% of respondents indicated that they are “travelling/ planning to travel out for some or most part of this month”; 8% indicated that they “stay indoors, increase intake of immunity foods/ drinks and bear it”; 27% indicated that they “stay indoors, increase intake of immunity foods/ drinks, use air purifiers”; 8% indicated that they “carry on routine activity and wear mask when outdoors”; 11% indicated that they “carry on routine activity and wear mask when outdoors, and increase intake of immunity foods/ drinks”; 27% stated that they “will not do any of the above and just live with it” and 2% of respondents did not give a clear answer. To sum up, 27% of Delhi NCR families surveyed are using air purifiers to reduce impact of pollution; a large majority just living with it by increasing intake of immunity foods and drinks; 23% not doing anything to protect themselves.

The percentage of families using air purifiers has increased substantially from 18% on October 19 to 27% a month later, which shows that those who can afford are investing in technology to bring them some relief from rising air pollution.

In summary, every single family surveyed has someone now with one or more pollution related health ailments. 75% Delhi NCR families have one or more members with sore throat, cough while 58% have headache due to rising levels of pollution; 50% have someone in the family having breathing difficulty/asthma due to highly toxic levels of pollution. Interestingly, 27% of Delhi NCR families surveyed are using air purifiers to reduce impact of pollution, up from 18% just a month ago. With little options, a large majority of families surveyed have opted to just live with it by increasing intake of immunity foods and drinks. For 23% of respondents there are little or no options, so they are not doing anything to protect themselves against rising air pollution.

The Supreme Court has rightly reprimanded the government and authorities for not taking precautionary measures well in time to prevent the current “hazardous” condition. Even as such a large number of people suffer due to high levels of air pollution, it is ironical that no action is being taken against those who continue to burst firecrackers to celebrate weddings and festivities in style.

Survey Demographics

The survey received over 21,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 63% respondents were men while 37% respondents were women. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform, and all participants were validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.