Overcoming Delhi Smog

Deepak D1, Dogra N2, Meher R3, Bansal

M4, Krishnan A5
1 Chest Physician, Respiratory Medicine, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia
Hospital, New Delhi,
Coordinator, Climate Change and Disease Dynamics Study Group
3. Professor ENT, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
• In the beginning of November, Delhi experienced an unprecedented
smog situation which also warranted the closure of schools for the
first time on history.
• In response to the urgent need of patients, their caregivers and the
general public, a poster was prepared in simple language in both
English and Hindi.
• The authors of the health communication endeavour represented
specialists from the fields of ENT, Pulmonary Medicine, Cardiology,
Community Medicine and Environmental Management.
• The latest available evidence and outside experts were also
consulted.
• An advisory for general public thus developed was circulated in via
social media and facebook and had a very good response.
 AIR POLLUTION FUNDAMENTALS
• Air quality index:
PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, Ozone, Ammonia and Lead
• Ozone is a critical component especially in summers
• PM 2.5 most relevant from health perspective
• PM 2.5 above 210 (or AQI 300) equivalent to one
cigarette every two hours!
 EFFECTS
SHORT TERM LONG TERM
• Irritation in nose, eyes and throat • Increased likelihood or
• Watering and redness of eyes aggravation of airway diseases
• Coughing, sneezing, runny nose e.g. asthma, chronic bronchitis
• Shortness of breath • Lung cancer
• Increase in outpatient, inpatient and ER • Heart disease
visits
• Stroke
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Obesity
• Joint Conditions
• Adverse health outcomes in
children and pregnant women
 WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR
• Wheeze (whistling sound while breathing)
• Breathing difficulty
• Chest discomfort/tightness
Particularly when accompanied by
 Sweating
 Wide fluctuations in blood pressure
 Palpitations (feeling of heart pounding)
 Dizziness
 Fainting
Who is at Risk
• Children
• Geriatric age group
• Pregnant women
• Persons with respiratory/cardiovascular conditions
 What can we do Indoors?
Indoors
• Air purifiers
-HEPA filters essential
-Activated carbon optional
-UV Ionizers should be avoided
• Windows
-Closed during morning and
evening
-Open during mid-day when
pollution is least
• ACs provide some protection
Outdoors
• Use N95 or N99 masks
• Disposable masks in Delhi’s
winter work for about two weeks
• Reusable masks should not be
worn once breathing becomes
difficult
Nasal filters is an option (better
than nothing)
• Commute
-Wear a mask on the
Metro/crowded places
-Use a car air purifier or switch on
AC in recirculation mode
The absence of evidence is not necessarily the evidence of absence

Thank-you