According to an expert, Delhi’s AQI level is dangerous for the elderly and vulnerable for COVID recovered patients

New Delhi: As the national capital’s air quality deteriorated following the Diwali festival, Dr. Ashok Seth, Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, stated on Friday (November 5, 2021) that the pollution levels are dangerous for the elderly and COVID recovered patients.

Dr. Seth told ANI, “These are extremely dangerous levels.” AQI (Air Quality Index) levels are particularly hazardous for the elderly and those suffering from lung or heart disease. Pollution causes chest congestion and bronchospasm. Asthma and bronchitis sufferers will notice a worsening of their symptoms. It predisposes to further chest infections, viral infections, and pneumonia cases.We see a lot of these happening when pollution rises.”

“As a result, the elderly are the most vulnerable.” Pollution has also been linked to heart artery inflammation. This causes blood clotting, which leads to an increase in heart attacks and worsening of Angina,” he added.

When asked about the impact of air pollution on COVID patients who have recovered, Dr. Seth stated, “People who have recovered from COVID are vulnerable to this” (air pollution). Many people in this group developed minor to severe residue lung problems. Toxic gases and particles have a direct impact on the lungs.”

When asked about the impact of air pollution on COVID patients who have recovered, Dr. Seth stated, “People who have recovered from COVID are at risk (air pollution). Many people in this group developed minor to severe residue lung problems. Toxic gases and particles have a direct impact on the lungs.”

“Patients who have recovered from COVID are also vulnerable. This is the time for the elderly to stay indoors, get flu shots, and use air purifiers at home on a regular basis “He continued.

Following the Diwali festival, the air quality in the national capital reached the ‘hazardous’ category on Friday morning. On Friday morning, the Pollution Meter (PM) 2.5 concentration in Janpath was 655.07.

Despite the Delhi government’s ban on firecrackers, several people were seen bursting crackers on the streets on Diwali, contributing to the deterioration of air quality, which was exacerbated by increased contributions from farm fires.

The air quality would not improve until Sunday evening, according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) (November 7). However, the improvement would only be in the ‘Very Poor’ category.