Ishita Roy

Delhi Pollution: When Is It Safe To Be Out?

Polluted air is the single largest, invisible environmental risk that is hazardous to human health. As per the State of Global Air 2020 report, it resulted in 6 million deaths globally, out of which 1.6 million deaths were in India alone.

 Dr Vivek Nangia, a Gurugram-based pulmonologist and a member of DocTube explains that while these deaths occurred due to stroke, heart attack, lung diseases, and neonatal diseases, they all were attributable to poor air quality. The number has increased by 115.3% from 1990. These deaths are three times more than the deaths that are caused by HIV, tuberculosis and malaria put together and 25 times more than all deaths from wars and all forms of violence, he notes. 

Another study notes that <span>air pollution</span> resulted in the reduction of average life expectancy of individuals by 5.3 years and in Delhi, it is reduced by 11.9 years. 

Delhi AQI today stands at 500 in the "severe" category. Three days ago, Lahore recorded an AQI of 1900, it still remains beyond 1000. Pakistan is blaming the easterly winds from Amritsar and Chandigarh for spiking Lahore's AQI. "The wind from India towards Lahore…is taking the <span>smog</span> to dangerous levels and the wind is likely to sustain its direction for at least next week… People should take care of themselves by avoiding unnecessarily coming out of their houses. The elderly and children should be particularly careful…," said Maryam Nawaz.

<h4>Is There A Right Time To Be Out?</h4>

"<span>Pollution</span> levels tend to be slightly lower in the afternoon," says Dr Nangia. In India's five biggest cities, <span>PM2.5</span> air pollution is highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon. 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. In Mumbai, the peak comes at 9am and is improved by 4pm. In the case of Chennai and Hyderabad, the peak comes at 8am with Pm2.5 at the lowest at 3pm or by noon. "However, it is vital to wear well-fitted masks," the doctor suggests.

Noon is when the sun is at its peak, it heats the ground and causes warm air to rise and mix with the atmosphere. This helps to disperse <span>pollutants</span>. However, at night, the ground cools down and leads to a temperature inversion. This means that air neat ground becomes colder than the air above it, trapping pollutants close to the surface. 

<h4>What Can You Do To Protect Your Health?</h4>

Dr Nangia provides a list of Do's and Dont's to protect yourself against air pollution and smog:

<ul><li>Stay indoors or at least restrict their outdoor movements to only bare essential activities</li><li>Totally avoid strenuous physical work/exercise outdoors</li><li>Avoid going for morning walks until it's bright and sunny outside.</li><li>Avoid travelling during peak hours</li><li>Wear a mask when going out. N95 or N99 masks provide protection from 95% and 99% of PM 2.5 particles respectively. Although they do not provide protection against the toxic gases.</li><li>If you are suffering from Asthma or COPD, then visit your doctor to understand drugs to be used in an emergency.</li><li>Quit smoking</li><li>Keep your environment clean</li><li>Don't let car engine idle and avoid open-air burning.</li><li>Keep windows of your cars rolled up</li><li>Car pooling is an option</li><li>Use Public transport (Underground Metros)</li><li>Don't use pesticides and other chemicals on your lawn and garden.</li><li>Support laws that aim to improve air quality.</li><li>Avoid fossil burning</li><li>Keep indoors clean</li><li>Air Purifying plants such as palm, ficus, Aloe Vera, Ivy and Spider Plant can be placed in the home and offices.</li><li>Ensure there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom to throw out the toxic air</li><li>Avoid incense sticks, lighting candle and diyas inside the houses.</li><li>Consume Fruits rich in Vitamin C, Magnesium , Foods rich in Omega Fatty</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

delhi air pollution

delhi smog

delhi pollution

air pollution

smog

pollution

PM2.5

pollutants

respiratory risks

Respiratory Infections

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Polluted air is the single largest, invisible environmental risk that is hazardous to human health. As per the State of Global Air 2020 report, it resulted in 6 million deaths globally, out of which 1.6 million deaths were in India alone. Dr Vivek Nangia, a Gurugram-based pulmonologist and a member of DocTube explains that while these deaths occurred due to stroke, heart attack, lung diseases, and neonatal diseases, they all were attributable to poor air quality. The number has increased by 115.3% from 1990. These deaths are three times more than the deaths that are caused by HIV, tuberculosis and malaria put together and 25 times more than all deaths from wars and all forms of violence, he notes. Another study notes that air pollution resulted in the reduction of average life expectancy of individuals by 5.3 years and in Delhi, it is reduced by 11.9 years. Delhi AQI today stands at 500 in the "severe" category. Three days ago, Lahore recorded an AQI of 1900, it still remains beyond 1000. Pakistan is blaming the easterly winds from Amritsar and Chandigarh for spiking Lahore's AQI. "The wind from India towards Lahore…is taking the smog to dangerous levels and the wind is likely to sustain its direction for at least next week… People should take care of themselves by avoiding unnecessarily coming out of their houses. The elderly and children should be particularly careful…," said Maryam Nawaz.Is There A Right Time To Be Out?"Pollution levels tend to be slightly lower in the afternoon," says Dr Nangia. In India's five biggest cities, PM2.5 air pollution is highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon. 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. In Mumbai, the peak comes at 9am and is improved by 4pm. In the case of Chennai and Hyderabad, the peak comes at 8am with Pm2.5 at the lowest at 3pm or by noon. "However, it is vital to wear well-fitted masks," the doctor suggests.Is It Safe At Night?Noon is when the sun is at its peak, it heats the ground and causes warm air to rise and mix with the atmosphere. This helps to disperse pollutants. However, at night, the ground cools down and leads to a temperature inversion. This means that air neat ground becomes colder than the air above it, trapping pollutants close to the surface. What Can You Do To Protect Your Health?Dr Nangia provides a list of Do's and Dont's to protect yourself against air pollution and smog:Stay indoors or at least restrict their outdoor movements to only bare essential activitiesTotally avoid strenuous physical work/exercise outdoorsAvoid going for morning walks until it's bright and sunny outside.Avoid travelling during peak hoursWear a mask when going out. N95 or N99 masks provide protection from 95% and 99% of PM 2.5 particles respectively. Although they do not provide protection against the toxic gases.If you are suffering from Asthma or COPD, then visit your doctor to understand drugs to be used in an emergency.Quit smokingKeep your environment cleanDon't let car engine idle and avoid open-air burning.Keep windows of your cars rolled upCar pooling is an optionUse Public transport (Underground Metros)Don't use pesticides and other chemicals on your lawn and garden.Support laws that aim to improve air quality.Avoid fossil burningKeep indoors cleanAir Purifying plants such as palm, ficus, Aloe Vera, Ivy and Spider Plant can be placed in the home and offices.Ensure there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom to throw out the toxic airAvoid incense sticks, lighting candle and diyas inside the houses.Consume Fruits rich in Vitamin C, Magnesium , Foods rich in Omega Fatty

delhi pollution: when is it a safer time to be out?

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A rare cancer could be prevalent among gen x and millennials

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A new study has revealed a sharp rise in cases of a rare <span>cancer</span>—appendiceal adenocarcinoma—particularly among younger generations. Generation X and millennials are seeing significantly higher rates of this cancer than previous generations, prompting concern among experts.

<h4>What Is Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma?</h4>

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare form of cancer that originates in the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. While appendix cancers are not commonly diagnosed—about 3,000 new cases per year in the U.S.—they appear to be rising at an alarming rate among younger adults.

According to a new paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the rate of AA has tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials compared to those born in the mid-20th century. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, which tracked cancer cases from 1975 to 2019.

The numbers are telling: the study found that for people born in 1985, the incidence of appendix cancer is four times higher than for those born in 1945. For individuals born in 1980, it is about three times higher.

<h4>A Broader Gastrointestinal Trend</h4>

Experts say this rise mirrors trends in other gastrointestinal cancers—such as colorectal and stomach cancer—which are also being diagnosed more frequently in adults under 50. Between 1975 and 2019, the researchers recorded 4,858 cases of appendix cancer, with a noticeable uptick in recent decades.

<h4>Possible Causes: Lifestyle and Diet</h4>

Although the exact reasons for this generational increase remain unclear, researchers suggest that lifestyle and environmental factors may be playing a major role. The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats has increased sharply in recent decades. Additionally, obesity and metabolic syndrome—both risk factors for various cancers—are more prevalent among younger people today than in past generations.

Lead researcher Dr. Andreana Holowatyji highlighted that the increase in cases is not due to more appendectomies being performed. Surgical removal rates of the appendix have remained largely stable over time, suggesting that other factors, possibly related to diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, are contributing to the spike in cases.

<h4>The Challenge of Early Detection</h4>

One of the major hurdles in combating appendiceal adenocarcinoma is the lack of clear early symptoms. Many of the signs—such as bloating, appetite loss, and changes in bowel habits—are vague and can easily be mistaken for more common digestive issues. This often leads to delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options.

With no definitive causes identified, scientists are calling for more research into environmental exposures, genetic factors, and molecular changes that might contribute to the development of appendix cancer. Understanding these elements could help in early detection and potentially lower the rising risk among younger populations.

cancer

health and wellness

cancer among gen x

cancer among millennials

cancer disease

A new study has revealed a sharp rise in cases of a rare cancer—appendiceal adenocarcinoma—particularly among younger generations. Generation X and millennials are seeing significantly higher rates of this cancer than previous generations, prompting concern among experts.What Is Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma?Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare form of cancer that originates in the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. While appendix cancers are not commonly diagnosed—about 3,000 new cases per year in the U.S.—they appear to be rising at an alarming rate among younger adults.Generational Surge in CasesAccording to a new paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the rate of AA has tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials compared to those born in the mid-20th century. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, which tracked cancer cases from 1975 to 2019.The numbers are telling: the study found that for people born in 1985, the incidence of appendix cancer is four times higher than for those born in 1945. For individuals born in 1980, it is about three times higher.A Broader Gastrointestinal TrendExperts say this rise mirrors trends in other gastrointestinal cancers—such as colorectal and stomach cancer—which are also being diagnosed more frequently in adults under 50. Between 1975 and 2019, the researchers recorded 4,858 cases of appendix cancer, with a noticeable uptick in recent decades.Possible Causes: Lifestyle and DietAlthough the exact reasons for this generational increase remain unclear, researchers suggest that lifestyle and environmental factors may be playing a major role. The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats has increased sharply in recent decades. Additionally, obesity and metabolic syndrome—both risk factors for various cancers—are more prevalent among younger people today than in past generations.Lead researcher Dr. Andreana Holowatyji highlighted that the increase in cases is not due to more appendectomies being performed. Surgical removal rates of the appendix have remained largely stable over time, suggesting that other factors, possibly related to diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, are contributing to the spike in cases.The Challenge of Early DetectionOne of the major hurdles in combating appendiceal adenocarcinoma is the lack of clear early symptoms. Many of the signs—such as bloating, appetite loss, and changes in bowel habits—are vague and can easily be mistaken for more common digestive issues. This often leads to delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options.Urgent Need for ResearchWith no definitive causes identified, scientists are calling for more research into environmental exposures, genetic factors, and molecular changes that might contribute to the development of appendix cancer. Understanding these elements could help in early detection and potentially lower the rising risk among younger populations.

study reveals a rare appendix cancer among millennials and gen x

The 'Three S' That Are Worsening Your Blood Pressure Levels

3 S that worsens your blood pressure

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As per the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, over 1.2 billion people ages 30 to 79 have <span>hypertension</span>. The number has increased from 650 million in 1990 to 1.2 billion in 2021. This increase is attributed to many factors, including lifestyle factors, which include salty indulgence, stress, and screen time which has been increased. These three impact your <span>blood pressure</span> levels, know how. 

<h4>What Are The Three S Worsening Your Blood Pressure?</h4>

As per the Harvard Heart Publishing, an average American consumes the equivalent of about 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt per day, which is 50% more than the recommended amount. 

About a third of healthy people and about 60% of people with high blood pressure are salt sensitive. 

<strong>How does salt affects blood pressure?</strong>

When you consume too much sodium, your body holds on to extra water to balance the sodium levels. This added fluid increases the volume of blood in your vessels, which in turn raises your blood pressure and forces your heart to work harder. High sodium intake can also reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications. For example, diuretics help eliminate excess sodium and water, while vasodilators work by relaxing the blood vessels. However, a high-sodium diet makes your body retain fluid again, refilling those relaxed vessels and undoing the medication's effects.

As per the official publication of State Medical Society of Wisconsin, stress can cause hypertension through repeated blood pressure elevations as well as by stimulation of the nervous system to produce large amounts of vasoconstricting hormones that increase blood pressure. Factors affecting blood pressure through stress include white coat hypertension, job strain, race, social environment, and emotional distress. 

As per National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, around 50 million American adults live with hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure over 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure over 89 mm Hg. In about 95% of these cases, the condition is classified as "essential" hypertension, meaning there’s no single identifiable cause. However, experts agree that multiple factors—including stress—can contribute to rising blood pressure in these individuals.

As per a 2024 study published in Cureus, hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. The study links the increased accessibility of smartphones with the increasing hypertension. 

This study explored the relationship between screen time and blood pressure (BP) among young adults.

The study also noted that higher screen time was more common among individuals using multiple devices. The prevalence of elevated BP in the sample was 35.8%, aligning with national data and raising concerns about the cardiovascular health of young adults.

Previous studies support these concerns. For instance, Nang et al. and Martinez-Gomez et al. linked prolonged TV viewing to higher BP and an adverse cardiovascular risk profile in adolescents. However, these relied on self-reported data. Other risk factors, such as age, gender, obesity, inactivity, and substance use, have also been linked to hypertension.

blood pressure

hypertension

three s of hypertension

what worsens blood pressure

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, over 1.2 billion people ages 30 to 79 have hypertension. The number has increased from 650 million in 1990 to 1.2 billion in 2021. This increase is attributed to many factors, including lifestyle factors, which include salty indulgence, stress, and screen time which has been increased. These three impact your blood pressure levels, know how. What Are The Three S Worsening Your Blood Pressure?SaltAs per the Harvard Heart Publishing, an average American consumes the equivalent of about 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt per day, which is 50% more than the recommended amount. About a third of healthy people and about 60% of people with high blood pressure are salt sensitive. How does salt affects blood pressure?When you consume too much sodium, your body holds on to extra water to balance the sodium levels. This added fluid increases the volume of blood in your vessels, which in turn raises your blood pressure and forces your heart to work harder. High sodium intake can also reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications. For example, diuretics help eliminate excess sodium and water, while vasodilators work by relaxing the blood vessels. However, a high-sodium diet makes your body retain fluid again, refilling those relaxed vessels and undoing the medication's effects.StressAs per the official publication of State Medical Society of Wisconsin, stress can cause hypertension through repeated blood pressure elevations as well as by stimulation of the nervous system to produce large amounts of vasoconstricting hormones that increase blood pressure. Factors affecting blood pressure through stress include white coat hypertension, job strain, race, social environment, and emotional distress. As per National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, around 50 million American adults live with hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure over 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure over 89 mm Hg. In about 95% of these cases, the condition is classified as "essential" hypertension, meaning there’s no single identifiable cause. However, experts agree that multiple factors—including stress—can contribute to rising blood pressure in these individuals.ScreentimeAs per a 2024 study published in Cureus, hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. The study links the increased accessibility of smartphones with the increasing hypertension. This study explored the relationship between screen time and blood pressure (BP) among young adults.The study also noted that higher screen time was more common among individuals using multiple devices. The prevalence of elevated BP in the sample was 35.8%, aligning with national data and raising concerns about the cardiovascular health of young adults.Previous studies support these concerns. For instance, Nang et al. and Martinez-Gomez et al. linked prolonged TV viewing to higher BP and an adverse cardiovascular risk profile in adolescents. However, these relied on self-reported data. Other risk factors, such as age, gender, obesity, inactivity, and substance use, have also been linked to hypertension.

the 'three s' that are worsening your blood pressure levels

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<span>Women’s reproductive health</span> is a sensitive subject. Even though there have been many advancements in women’s healthcare, large gaps in research and medical well-being of women have been observed. The general lack of information regarding women’s healthcare and education have also been highlighted in the recent years. 

While you may think it is not a matter of urgency, a new report found a very concerning toxin in tampons, levels of which were higher than what is even allowed in drinking water. 

A new report from two groups, the Women's Environmental Network (WEN) and Pesticide Action Network UK, has raised serious concerns. They found harmful chemicals in many of the menstrual products sold in regular stores across Britain. The study was particularly worried about finding pesticides, especially glyphosate, which is the most common weed killer used worldwide, in these products that women use in a very sensitive part of their bodies. 

<h2>Disturbing Levels of Pesticides Detected </h2>

The findings are quite shocking. Tampons are a largely used menstruation product, which soaks the menstrual blood by insertion in the vaginal canal. The World Health Organization, a global health authority, has said that glyphosate probably causes cancer. Even more alarmingly, one box of tampons had levels of glyphosate that were 40 times higher than what's legally allowed in drinking water! 

It's thought this happens because the pesticide might be sprayed on the cotton crops that are used to make tampons. The report also found another dangerous chemical called chlorpyrifos in some tampons. This is an insecticide that's actually banned in the UK because it can harm the brain and nervous system. 

The report was very clear about how serious this is: they said that for some chemicals, there's no safe amount, so any trace found in period products should be less than what can even be detected. 

There's worry about how these chemicals might affect health. This is because a part of the body that absorbs things very easily, the vagina, lets chemicals skip the body's natural cleaning systems and go straight into the blood. People are saying this isn't just careless, it's actually dangerous. They also feel it's wrong that these kinds of chemicals are still in period products today. 

<h2>Lack of Regulation and Impact on Farmers </h2>

The report pointed out a major problem: there are no specific rules in the UK for these products. Manufacturers don't have to tell you what's in their products, and there are no laws to stop pesticide residue from ending up in the final product you buy. 

The issue also affects cotton farmers. The report highlighted that "cotton farmers are being exposed to toxic pesticides at concerning levels." Many of these farmers are women, and they face health risks every day from working with these dangerous pesticides both on their farms and even in their homes. 

<h2>Demands for Clearer Information and Change </h2>

People are strongly demanding that the industry be more open. It's simply not okay that users don't know what's in products they use on such private parts of their bodies. There's an urgent need for companies to be transparent (show all ingredients), take accountability (be responsible for their products), and make real changes in how things are done. This is because everyone who has a period deserves better and safer products. 

The report asks the government to act quickly: 

<ul><li>Test period products very strictly.</li><li>Make it a legal rule for companies to list every ingredient and extra chemical.</li><li>Include organic, disposable period products in free school programs.</li></ul>

Women’s reproductive health

menstruation products

are tampons safe?

are tampons harmful for health

can tampons affect our health?

tampons and menstruation

Women’s reproductive health is a sensitive subject. Even though there have been many advancements in women’s healthcare, large gaps in research and medical well-being of women have been observed. The general lack of information regarding women’s healthcare and education have also been highlighted in the recent years. While you may think it is not a matter of urgency, a new report found a very concerning toxin in tampons, levels of which were higher than what is even allowed in drinking water. A new report from two groups, the Women's Environmental Network (WEN) and Pesticide Action Network UK, has raised serious concerns. They found harmful chemicals in many of the menstrual products sold in regular stores across Britain. The study was particularly worried about finding pesticides, especially glyphosate, which is the most common weed killer used worldwide, in these products that women use in a very sensitive part of their bodies. Disturbing Levels of Pesticides Detected The findings are quite shocking. Tampons are a largely used menstruation product, which soaks the menstrual blood by insertion in the vaginal canal. The World Health Organization, a global health authority, has said that glyphosate probably causes cancer. Even more alarmingly, one box of tampons had levels of glyphosate that were 40 times higher than what's legally allowed in drinking water! It's thought this happens because the pesticide might be sprayed on the cotton crops that are used to make tampons. The report also found another dangerous chemical called chlorpyrifos in some tampons. This is an insecticide that's actually banned in the UK because it can harm the brain and nervous system. The report was very clear about how serious this is: they said that for some chemicals, there's no safe amount, so any trace found in period products should be less than what can even be detected. Direct Threat to Health There's worry about how these chemicals might affect health. This is because a part of the body that absorbs things very easily, the vagina, lets chemicals skip the body's natural cleaning systems and go straight into the blood. People are saying this isn't just careless, it's actually dangerous. They also feel it's wrong that these kinds of chemicals are still in period products today. Lack of Regulation and Impact on Farmers The report pointed out a major problem: there are no specific rules in the UK for these products. Manufacturers don't have to tell you what's in their products, and there are no laws to stop pesticide residue from ending up in the final product you buy. The issue also affects cotton farmers. The report highlighted that "cotton farmers are being exposed to toxic pesticides at concerning levels." Many of these farmers are women, and they face health risks every day from working with these dangerous pesticides both on their farms and even in their homes. Demands for Clearer Information and Change People are strongly demanding that the industry be more open. It's simply not okay that users don't know what's in products they use on such private parts of their bodies. There's an urgent need for companies to be transparent (show all ingredients), take accountability (be responsible for their products), and make real changes in how things are done. This is because everyone who has a period deserves better and safer products. The report asks the government to act quickly: Test period products very strictly.Make it a legal rule for companies to list every ingredient and extra chemical.Include organic, disposable period products in free school programs.

uk report finds pesticide in tampons - the amount was 40 times higher than what is allowed in water

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Delhi Pollution: When Is It Safe To Be Out?

Quick Stories

Study Reveals A Rare Appendix Cancer Among Millennials And Gen X

The 'Three S' That Are Worsening Your Blood Pressure Levels

UK Report Finds Pesticide In Tampons - The Amount Was 40 Times Higher Than What Is Allowed In Water

Health Conditions A-Z

Study Reveals A Rare Appendix Cancer Among Millennials And Gen X

UK Report Finds Pesticide In Tampons - The Amount Was 40 Times Higher Than What Is Allowed In Water

Pollution Can Influence Cognitive Decline - Alzheimer's And Parkinsons Linked To Poor Air