Health and Me

Ishita Roy

'Facing Breathing Issues After Morning Walk' Says CJI Surya Kant As Delhi's Toxic Air Worsens

Just a day after GRAP-3 restrictions were removed from Delhi, the city's pollution levels worsened. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lift the GRAP-3 restrictions on Thursday when Delhi recorded its average AQI at 377 at 4pm. However, by 8pm, the AQI as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)'s data was recorded at 381 by 8pm. Multiple stations also recorded "severe" range. 

However, Delhi, as of 10am on Friday, 28 November, AQI was recorded 409, which is under "hazardous". In fact, as per the CPCB data, several areas like Anand Vihar and Burari Crossing, the AQI crossed 400, under 'severe' category, whereas areas like Mathura Road and Lodhi Road crossed 300, under 'very poor' category. 

Amid Delhi's continuously worsening AQI, the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant said that he cannot go out for his morning walk as it is causing him breathing issues. "The only exercise I do is walking. But even that is difficult now. Yesterday I walked for 55 minutes, and till morning I had problems,” the CJI said. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal also said that he has completely stopped going out for morning walks. "To breathe this obnoxious air...at out age..." he remarked. Earlier, Justice PS Narasimha warned lawyers about this "very, very serious" pollution levels and urged them to opt for virtual hearings to avoid health risks. "This pollution will cause permanent damage," he said. 

However, CAQM believes that the pollution levels will improve by Friday. "Based on the forecast provided by the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, we were told the AQI will worsen marginally on Thursday as wind speeds will drop. However, by Thursday evening and from Friday onwards, winds are forecast to pick up again and so the AQI is not likely to touch 400 and into the severe category,” a CAQM official said. 

Though experts do not agree. As per IIT Delhi professor Mukesh Khare, as reported in HT, says that even if AQI is improving, it "is likely to deteriorate again, so the decision to remove GRAP based on marginal improvement was illogical". "There is not much difference between an AQI of 320 and 350. We know conditions in winters are harsh and unpredictable and often unfavorable," he says. 

<h2>What Can Be Done To Protect Yourself Against <span rel="noindex">Toxic Air Pollution</span>?</h2>

Dr Rahul Chawla, a neurologist trained at AIIMS posted a video on his Instagram where he shared 5 ways to protect against Delhi's <span>Air Pollution</span>. 

Dr Chawla suggested that one should stay indoors as much as possible. "You can open the windows and doors only between 1 and 3pm in the day, when you feel that the sun is bright, so that the house gets proper ventilation," he said.

Why 1pm to 3pm is the only time he suggests to have exposure with air? As per a 2023 study by an air filter brand, Delhi's air pollution peaked at 9AM and gradually improved as the day progressed. On an average, Delhi sees roughly as half as much PM2.5 by 5PM. Similarly, in Kolkata, the pollution peaks at 8am and is lowered by 4PM. This is why the safest time to have any sort of air exposure is in the afternoon. Pollution levels also tend to be slightly lower in the afternoon because it is when the sun is at its peak. This heats the ground and causes warm air to rise and mix with atmosphere. This helps disperse pollutants.

He also advised against cleaning inside the house using a dry cloth, and suggested wet cloth to be in use, so that dust does not rise. "Please do not light up things inside the house like burning dhoop (incense for worship), agarbatti (incense sticks), or anything else that causes excessive smoke,” he said.

“If there are elderly people at home, do not let them go for morning walks or evening walks, and if there are children, do not let them play in the park. Exercise at home. You can go up and down the stairs. You can do yoga. If you have a treadmill or a stationary bike at home, you can exercise with it. You can do weightlifting,” he said. However, he suggested that if going out is absolutely necessary, then one must wear N-95 mask properly before stepping out.

“If you can afford an air purifier, buy one. But keep in mind that the air purifier you are buying should be appropriate for the size of your room,” the neurologist advised.

The neurologist also suggested that if your company permits it, seek work from home option to reduce your exposure from <span>toxic air</span>.

Lastly, he suggested that if people can afford, and their profession allows, they must leave Delhi for a few weeks. “Because this city has become a gas chamber,” he warned.

Note: This article is not a medical advice and the information is derived from the video shared by the doctor. Please seek advice from your doctor before making any changes in your lifestyle.

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Just a day after GRAP-3 restrictions were removed from Delhi, the city's pollution levels worsened. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lift the GRAP-3 restrictions on Thursday when Delhi recorded its average AQI at 377 at 4pm. However, by 8pm, the AQI as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)'s data was recorded at 381 by 8pm. Multiple stations also recorded "severe" range. However, Delhi, as of 10am on Friday, 28 November, AQI was recorded 409, which is under "hazardous". In fact, as per the CPCB data, several areas like Anand Vihar and Burari Crossing, the AQI crossed 400, under 'severe' category, whereas areas like Mathura Road and Lodhi Road crossed 300, under 'very poor' category. Amid Delhi's continuously worsening AQI, the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant said that he cannot go out for his morning walk as it is causing him breathing issues. "The only exercise I do is walking. But even that is difficult now. Yesterday I walked for 55 minutes, and till morning I had problems,” the CJI said. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal also said that he has completely stopped going out for morning walks. "To breathe this obnoxious air...at out age..." he remarked. Earlier, Justice PS Narasimha warned lawyers about this "very, very serious" pollution levels and urged them to opt for virtual hearings to avoid health risks. "This pollution will cause permanent damage," he said. However, CAQM believes that the pollution levels will improve by Friday. "Based on the forecast provided by the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, we were told the AQI will worsen marginally on Thursday as wind speeds will drop. However, by Thursday evening and from Friday onwards, winds are forecast to pick up again and so the AQI is not likely to touch 400 and into the severe category,” a CAQM official said. Though experts do not agree. As per IIT Delhi professor Mukesh Khare, as reported in HT, says that even if AQI is improving, it "is likely to deteriorate again, so the decision to remove GRAP based on marginal improvement was illogical". "There is not much difference between an AQI of 320 and 350. We know conditions in winters are harsh and unpredictable and often unfavorable," he says. What Can Be Done To Protect Yourself Against Toxic Air Pollution?Dr Rahul Chawla, a neurologist trained at AIIMS posted a video on his Instagram where he shared 5 ways to protect against Delhi's Air Pollution. Stay IndoorsDr Chawla suggested that one should stay indoors as much as possible. "You can open the windows and doors only between 1 and 3pm in the day, when you feel that the sun is bright, so that the house gets proper ventilation," he said.Why 1pm to 3pm is the only time he suggests to have exposure with air? As per a 2023 study by an air filter brand, Delhi's air pollution peaked at 9AM and gradually improved as the day progressed. On an average, Delhi sees roughly as half as much PM2.5 by 5PM. Similarly, in Kolkata, the pollution peaks at 8am and is lowered by 4PM. This is why the safest time to have any sort of air exposure is in the afternoon. Pollution levels also tend to be slightly lower in the afternoon because it is when the sun is at its peak. This heats the ground and causes warm air to rise and mix with atmosphere. This helps disperse pollutants.He also advised against cleaning inside the house using a dry cloth, and suggested wet cloth to be in use, so that dust does not rise. "Please do not light up things inside the house like burning dhoop (incense for worship), agarbatti (incense sticks), or anything else that causes excessive smoke,” he said.Use N95 Mask“If there are elderly people at home, do not let them go for morning walks or evening walks, and if there are children, do not let them play in the park. Exercise at home. You can go up and down the stairs. You can do yoga. If you have a treadmill or a stationary bike at home, you can exercise with it. You can do weightlifting,” he said. However, he suggested that if going out is absolutely necessary, then one must wear N-95 mask properly before stepping out.Air Purifier“If you can afford an air purifier, buy one. But keep in mind that the air purifier you are buying should be appropriate for the size of your room,” the neurologist advised.Work From HomeThe neurologist also suggested that if your company permits it, seek work from home option to reduce your exposure from toxic air.Leave DelhiLastly, he suggested that if people can afford, and their profession allows, they must leave Delhi for a few weeks. “Because this city has become a gas chamber,” he warned.Note: This article is not a medical advice and the information is derived from the video shared by the doctor. Please seek advice from your doctor before making any changes in your lifestyle.