<h5>Bad air reduces life expectancy.</h5><p>According to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), air pollution is significantly reducing life expectancy in Delhi.</p><p>The report highlights that if Delhi meets the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for air pollution, residents could see a substantial increase in their life expectancy.</p><p>Even achieving India's national air quality standards would result in a notable improvement in life expectancy.</p><figure class="image"><img alt="Delhi.jpg" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/newsahoot.appspot.com/Delhi_4a90b5d2d5.jpg"><figcaption>Air pollution in Delhi. Photo by Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0</figcaption></figure><h5>What is the condition in India?</h5><p>Many people across 10 Indian cities die annually from breathing air that is considered safe by Indian standards. Researchers say these fatalities occur due to inhaling particulate matter (PM 2.5) at levels that exceed WHO standards.</p><p>Delhi and Mumbai have the highest number of deaths from short-term pollution exposure. Even cities reporting moderate to good air quality, like Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, report casualties.</p><p>WHO deems PM 2.5 levels exceeding five micrograms per cubic metre to be dangerous. But, the Indian air quality standards allow for concentrations up to 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Still, many areas are exposed to air that exceeds the Indian limit.</p><p>So, researchers say that the government should take action to improve the nation's air quality. Doing so will benefit the citizens and can improve their overall life expectancy.</p><h5>About PM 2.5.</h5><p>PM 2.5 is a fine particulate matter that can enter our respiratory system and cause respiratory problems. It endangers people's health and contributes significantly to air pollution.</p><p>These tiny particles can be seen only through an electron microscope. Due to their small size, PM 2.5 can stay in the air for longer periods and easily enter our bodies.</p><p>They are emitted from both man made and natural sources, with man made sources producing more of them. Some man made sources are wood burning, car motor combustion, fireworks, smoking, etc. Natural sources include dust, dirt, etc.</p><p>PM 2.5 can even enter a person’s brain and the circulatory system. Exposure to this can cause throat irritation, breathing difficulty, etc. However, it can also cause long-term complications, like heart and lung disease, asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, etc.</p><h5>Steps to protect yourself from air pollution.</h5><p>Avoid going out on days with high pollution levels unless necessary. Reduce or avoid outdoor exercise. If you have asthma, always carry your inhaler, as air pollution can aggravate such diseases.</p><p>You must wear a face mask while outside and immediately consult your doctor if you experience negative health effects from air pollution.</p><p>Plants that purify the air, such as aloe vera, can improve air quality in the home and office. Air purifiers can also be used, particularly in rooms for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.</p>

The Air Quality Life Index has highlighted this issue.

Bad Air Is Affecting Life Expectancy In Delhi

Collect 150 Hootcoins!

Collect 150 Hootcoins!

Starbucks New CEO Faces Criticism

Decline of Indian Vultures Causes Health Crisis

Tragedy Strikes Kerala

Bad Air Is Affecting Life Expectancy In Delhi

Collect 150 Hootcoins!

Collect 150 Hootcoins!

Did you read these articles?

Starbucks New CEO Faces Criticism

Decline of Indian Vultures Causes Health Crisis

Tragedy Strikes Kerala