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The Global Story

Delhi smog: 'My eyes are stinging'

Nov 21, 2024
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.
26:32

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Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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