Bad air reduces life expectancy.
Did you know that the air we breathe can affect how long we live? It’s true! A report by a US-based university, the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), found that Delhi's air pollution is shortening people’s lives!
The report also states that if Delhi's air were as clean as the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests, people could live longer and be healthier! Making the air a bit cleaner would make a big difference.
What is the condition in India?
Imagine breathing air that makes you sick, even though it looks clear. That’s what happens in many cities in India!
Scientists discovered that tiny, yucky particles in the air, called particulate matter (PM 2.5), can make people ill.
The WHO says the air should be super clean and contain very few tiny particles. But in India, the limit is 40 tiny particles per cubic metre! Nonetheless, many regions are exposed to air that exceeds Indian standards.
Scientists think the government needs to clean up the air so everyone can be healthier and live longer. Let’s all hope for cleaner air and a happier, healthier world!
About PM 2.5.
PM 2.5 is a type of tiny pollution that can hurt our health. These little particles can float around in the air for a long time and enter our bodies when we breathe.
PM 2.5 can come from human activities, such as burning wood or fireworks, and also from nature, such as dust and dirt.
When we breathe in PM 2.5, it can make our throats itchy and make it hard to breathe. Over time, it can even cause big health problems like heart issues or asthma. So, it’s important to try to keep the air clean and healthy!
Steps to protect yourself from air pollution.
When the air isn’t clean, it’s best to stay inside if possible. Don't play outside or exercise on those days. If you have asthma, remember to take your inhaler because dirty air can make breathing hard.
Wearing a face mask can help keep you safe when you go outside. If you start to feel sick from the air, tell an adult and see a doctor right away.
