Is Delhi At Higher Risk As 'Very Poor' AQI Raises Fears Of Ethiopian Volcanic Ash? Here's What Expert Says

Delhi faces rising pollution worries as very poor AQI sparks concern over possible Ethiopian volcanic ash impact. Know the health risks and expert views.

Delhi woke up to a thick layer of haze and very poor air quality, raising fresh concerns among residents. Most sections of the city registered a very poor level of air quality index in the early morning. At around 8 am on Tuesday, Delhi's overall AQI stood at 362 - 'very poor' category - according to data in the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB), which monitors air quality. As winter takes hold, you can already predict an increase in pollution, but even with the fear of volcanic ash looming in the skies courtesy of the recent activity in Ethiopia, there is even more concern as to whether the air is safe in Delhi or not.

Speaking to Dr Akshay Budhraja, Senior Consultant & HOD, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, he said, "The life of waking up to a very poor AQI in Delhi has been increasing the worries among the people, considering the talk is on the potential effect of Ethiopian volcanic ash floating around the areas."

Ethiopia's Volcanic Ash Impact

The eruption of the volcano in Ethiopia formed a cloud of ash which rose high in the sky. Concerns that this ash would cover extensive distances to settle in portions of India were a result of many posts that were made on social media. It caused panic among individuals who already had to contend with an increase in the levels of pollution. Experts, however, indicate that no volcanic ash has been detected by international monitoring systems on its way to Delhi or the north of India.

Dr Akshay further added, "Although meteorologically, the long-range transport of volcanic particles is possible, local sources of air pollution in the city, which are mainly due to the emission of vehicles and industries, construction dust, and seasonal biomass burning, are the primary factors in the city's air quality deterioration. Assuming that indeed volcanic ash does increase the load on the atmosphere concerning particulate matter, regardless of the low amount, it can increase the level of small and ultrafine structures that are easy to infiltrate deep into the lungs. These types of particles have been known to irritate the respiratory tract, cause inflammation, and increase sensitivity in people with asthma, COPD, allergic disorders, and heart conditions that already exist."

Why is Delhi facing Poor Air Quality Right Now?

The rate of surface-level winds decreases as temperatures decrease. This will ensure that no pollutants spread to the higher levels of the atmosphere. There are also longer nights and colder mornings in winter, allowing smog to settle down in the city.

Burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states is also another significant source. Even a slight increment in these fires can aggravate the air in a couple of hours. The load is further contributed by vehicles, construction work and domestic emissions. According to weather professionals, until the speed of wind or rain increases, there is a likelihood that the pollution will remain high.

Health Impact of Very Poor Air Quality

According to Dr Akshay Budhraja, "When air quality is of a very poor state, the residents can have chest tightness, breathlessness, dry cough, throat irritation, headache and decreased exercise tolerance. The vulnerable groups, especially children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with chronic respiratory illnesses, are at an even higher risk because their airways are more responsive to pollutants. Extended exposure may aggravate chronic symptoms and increase the chances of respiratory infections."

What Residents Can Do to Stay Safe?

Doctors recommend fewer outdoor activities, keeping the windows closed during the busy hours of pollution, and purifiers should be used where possible. "Avoiding outdoor activity, using N95 masks, using air purifiers in the entire house, staying hydrated and taking prescribed inhalers or medications are the key preventive measures in this scenario until the air is clean," the doctor said.

In the meantime, people would have to remain vigilant and take some basic precautions until the weather alters to offer relief.