In this discussion, Devina Gupta, a BBC journalist, shares her firsthand experiences of living in Delhi amidst a choking smog crisis. She describes how residents are grappling with health issues like stinging eyes and respiratory problems. Dr. Gary Fuller, an air quality expert from Imperial College London, highlights the severe health ramifications of air pollution, linking it to chronic conditions and even economic losses. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for effective solutions to tackle this escalating environmental hazard.
Residents in Delhi endure severe health issues due to alarming air pollution levels, prompting urgent public health responses and accountability demands.
Long-term exposure to polluted air poses significant health risks, including respiratory diseases and cognitive decline, impacting future generations in South Asia.
Deep dives
The Dire Air Quality Situation in South Asia
Air pollution has reached alarming levels in South Asia, particularly in cities like New Delhi and Lahore, where smog is severely impacting the quality of life. Reports indicate that the air quality index in New Delhi is hovering between 400 and 420, significantly above the World Health Organization's safe limit. Residents are experiencing a range of health issues, including coughing, throat irritation, and general discomfort from breathing toxic air, reminiscent of past smog crises in cities like London. This situation is exacerbated by factors such as vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and the seasonal practice of agricultural stubble burning, leading to a public health emergency with officials struggling to manage the crisis effectively.
Health Implications of Air Pollution
The effects of air pollution on health extend far beyond immediate respiratory issues, with long-term implications for both children and the elderly. Studies indicate that exposure to polluted air can lead to reduced lung development in children and increase the risk of conditions such as asthma, lung cancer, and even dementia later in life. In India alone, approximately 1.7 million premature deaths are attributed to air pollution, highlighting a severe ongoing health crisis. The economic impact is also substantial, with losses in productivity due to health issues costing the country nearly $95 billion annually, which is about 3% of its GDP.
Government Actions and Potential Solutions
Governments in South Asia face criticism for their slow and reactive response to the escalating air pollution crisis, leading to legal challenges and public demand for accountability. In Delhi, the graded response action plan activates measures such as closing schools and construction sites during severe pollution episodes, but experts argue that these are insufficient for long-term solutions. More effective strategies could involve transitioning away from coal power, promoting cleaner agricultural practices, and targeting specific pollution sources rather than just addressing peak levels. Collaboration between neighboring countries, similar to past international efforts in Europe, may also be necessary to tackle the regional smog problem comprehensively.
Air pollution in parts of India and Pakistan has been likened to witnessing a dystopian movie. India's capital Delhi has been blanketed in a thick layer of smog, with the city's residents complaining of choking and stinging eyes. In neighbouring Pakistan, Lahore has also recorded sky-high air pollution in recent weeks.
On today's episode, Sumi Somaskanda hears from Devina Gupta about what it's like to be living in Delhi at the moment. And Dr Gary Fuller (Imperial College London) explains the impact severe air pollution can have on our health, from birth through to our final years.
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Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Richard Moran and Beth Timmins
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
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