Delhi’s air quality improved slightly on Saturday morning, with the AQI recorded at 261, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, as per CPCB data, from 290 the previous day.
In the days following Diwali, the Delhi-NCR region again saw a sharp deterioration in air quality, with hospitals reporting an increase in respiratory and pregnancy-related health problems. However, doctors across the region have linked the rise in cases to the combined impact of air pollution and noise from the widespread use of firecrackers, especially late at night.
What did the gynecologists say?
According to pulmonologists and gynecologists, both outpatient and emergency cases saw a sharp rise between October 20 and 23 as pollution soared far beyond permissible limits.
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Delhi’s air quality index remained in the “very poor” category during this period.
Sudden exposure to smoke, toxic gases and fine particles left the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory or heart diseases struggling to cope.
“Smog after Diwali is particularly dangerous as it comes with a sudden dense concentration of pollutants. In just two days after Diwali, we saw almost a 30 per cent jump in patients with respiratory problems, asthma attacks and allergic bronchitis,” said Dr Pulkit Agarwal, consultant pulmonologist, SilverStreak Superspeciality Hospital.
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Dr Mohit Bhardwaj, consultant pulmonology, Shalby International Hospital, Gurugram, echoed the concern: “The combination of stagnant winter air and smoke from biscuits traps pollutants close to the ground. People with pre-existing conditions must avoid outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours, wear N95 masks and continue as prescribed inhalers or medications without interruption.”
Gynecologists are equally concerned about the less visible but serious effects of pollution on maternal and fetal health.
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“High levels of particulate matter can cross the placental barrier and interfere with fetal growth and brain development. We observed an increase in expectant mothers reporting shortness of breath, dizziness and increased blood pressure after Diwali celebrations,” explained Dr. Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery.
After Diwali, PM2.5 levels shot up to 675, the highest in four years.
Dr Yashica Gudesar, Director and Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Dwarka, noted that prolonged exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
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“We advise pregnant women to stay indoors when air quality drops, use air purifiers at home and increase fluid intake to flush out toxins,” she said.
“Working women should also ensure the use of air purifiers at home, in their offices and even in their cars to minimize continuous exposure to harmful pollutants,” she said. Together, health experts have urged citizens and authorities to adopt more responsible and sustainable ways of celebrating festivals.
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With air quality in several parts of Delhi-NCR falling to “severe” levels, health experts stress that precautionary measures, greater public awareness and responsible celebrations are essential to end this recurring health crisis after Diwali.
High levels of particulate matter can cross the placental barrier and interfere with fetal growth and brain development.
Seven monitoring stations recorded air quality in the “very poor” range, the remaining stations remained in the “poor” category. According to CPCB standards, an AQI score between 0 and 50 is rated as “good”, 51-100 “satisfactory”, 101-200 “moderate”, 201-300 “poor”, 301-400 “very poor” and 401-500.
(With input from agencies)
