Delhi affected with dangerous levels of air pollution….

The air quality has been “severely affected ” as pollution levels touched a new high. Levels of particulate matter finer than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) crossed the 900 mark in some areas, recording almost 15 times the safety limit. With air pollution levels rising to dangerous levels deputy chief minister of Delhi Manish Sisodiya has called for a high level meeting with all concerned to discuss ways to fight this pollution on war footing.  The meeting will be held in the Secretariat where all cabinet minsiters and high level officials will assemble to discuss ways to combat air pollution.

PM2.5, tiny particles suspended in the air can enter into the lungs and can cause a lot of deadly diseases. World Health Organization recommends that PM2.5, is kept below 10 as an annual average..a concentration level of 35 and above can increase the mortality rate by 15% in the long term.

What is leading to this air pollution in Delhi ?

1. Vehicular pollution.
2. Buring of crop waste in neighbouring states and other waste inside the state of Delhi.
3. Dust and construction debris from construction sites and from upcoming metro stations.
4. Industrial pollution from thermal plants in and around Delhi.
5. Burning of crackers.

Green body Centre for Science and Environment has observed that this time the pollution from crackers was much worse and toxic from the previous years due to the emission of more poisonous gases and particles.

News Delhi is among the top 10-11 most polluted cities in the world. Smog has engulfed Delhi leading to dangerous health hazards.

What are the foods that will help fight air pollution ?

The polluted air that we breathe introduces ozone, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, diesel exhaust particles into our lungs. The antioxidants present in the protective layer of our lungs fight it out until they are outnumbered by these intruders weakening our immune system and causing inflammation of the lungs and other diseases.

Vitacin C is the most important potent antioxidant in our body. Please take foods rich in Vitamin C  such as amala and guava, intake lemons in your daily diet. According to a research people having foods rich in Vitamin C during the days of high air pollution are less likely to be hospitalized.

After Vitamin C it is Vitamin E, Omega -3 Fats and Beta Carotene that go a long way in warding off pollution impact on the body. Almonds are good source of Vitamin E. One can find rich sources of Omega 3 in kala chana and nuts and seeds like walnuts. Even green leafy vegetables are rich source of Omega 3. Beta Carotene can be found in spinach and coriander.

Eat tomatoes and avocados..they are good in fighting pollution. Tulsi, Ginger, Magnesium rich diet like cashews are also very helpful.

Apart from food, regular exercise, pranayam for the lungs, adequate intake if water and proper sleep will help immensely as a fit body is able to ward of any adversity.

Other safety measures such as sprinkling of water around the main door will also help as moisture absorbs dust substantially and reduces pollution. Even reducing the number of trips made in cars and reducing or eliminating fireplace and use of stoves as well as burning of less leaves and other materials and trash also will help greatly. Even avoiding use of gas powered lawns and similar equipments to bring down pollution levels.

Please share these tips and keep your family healthy. The Delhi government has announced 3 days of school holidays and has halted all construction works in the meantime to bring down pollution as far as possible.