Smog density harmful for health, say experts
The presence of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 in the air is increasing the density of smog in the city. Data shows the presence of extremely harmful gases which can harm even lungs.
On Friday afternoon, PM 2.5 was found to be 110 microns and PM 10 at 225 microns. These microns increase by two to three times at night causing smog to become dense which considerably reduces visibility. Environment is considered safe when PM 2.5 is below 60 and PM 10 is under 100 microns.
High level of PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the air indicate the presence of harmful pollutants or particulate matter (PM). PM 2.5 is more likely to deposit on the surface of the deeper parts of the lung, while PM10 is more likely to deposit on the surfaces of the larger airways of the upper region of the lung. Particles deposited on the lung surface can induce tissue damage and lung inflammation. Combined PM 10 and PM 2.5 include sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds, ammonia and black carbon.
Vinod Kumar, Assistant Environmental Engineer of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), said the WHO guidelines issued in 2021, clearly stated that there was much stronger evidence to show how air pollution affects different aspects of health at even lower concentrations than previously understood. Every year, exposure to air pollution is still estimated to cause millions of deaths and the loss of healthy years of life. The number of diseases attributable to air pollution is now estimated to be at par with other major global health risks such as unhealthy diet and smoking tobacco. In 2015, the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of World Health Organisation, adopted a landmark resolution on air quality and health, recognising air pollution as a risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and cancer.
Density of the smog has been increasing in the city for the past few days. Continuous omission of rain and blowing of wind in the atmosphere are causing the pollutants to remain stagnant in the atmosphere.
