Smog - A New Upcoming Natural Calamity

Smog - A New Upcoming Natural Calamity

By Dr. Lalit Kumar Setia |  @drlalitsetia  |  drlalitsetia@gmail.com  |  November 23, 2018 10:00 a.m. IST

The modern society has its own disadvantages. The metro cities, on one side generate too much employment then on another side, also generate natural hazards. With concentration of gases and its mixure with other pollution-driven elements; the whole Delhi-NCR area had been affected with smog. The Government is making efforts to get rid of this new problem. The medical practitioners are not recommending to have morning or evening walk in days of smog and bad weather. In such scenario, what to do and what not to do; is also a new concern for every Indian. Let's know more about it. 

What comprises in Smog?

Smog contains a pollutant known as ozone, and elevated ozone levels can have a variety of negative effects on your lungs. The smog also affects London, England every year in winter season. When a person exposes himself in smog then the ozone gas passed into his lungs and an irritation starts in repository system usually affects throat and chest. The patients of Asthma suffer most from the smog and face asthama attacks during these days. More exposure to smog can even damage the lungs, therefore it is must not to take deep breaths in the environment affected with smog. 

Controlling Pollution in Delhi

The Delhi Government became alert after the increase in smog and bad weather. In order to curb the vehicular pollution, the vehicles older than 10 to 15 years and based on diesel engines are being traced, located, and then seized by the Government. The transport department notified the scrapping guidelines in September 2018 and the MSTC Limited is provided the task of scrapping the vehicles.

Precautions and Tips

1. Life-style Management in accordance with Air Quality Index : 

The AQI levels which are generally communicated in weather report, can be used to be more cautious. In case, the level becomes more than 150, one should stop the outdoor activities so that the exposure to such air can be minimized. The running or traveling upon bikes, should be avoided. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 3.7 Million people die prematurely from outdoor pollution and leads to an increased risk of heart disease.

2. Diet in smoggy days: 

In order to avoid health problems in smog; one should prefer eating healthy diet preferably high quantity of vitamin C, magnesium, and omega fatty acids so that the body can be strengthened to fight allergy or infection.

3. Boosting Immunity of body: 

In winter season, when smog triggers in atmosphere, one should take herbal ginger, tulsi, and giloy to boost the immunity level of body.   

4. Avoid exposure to dust: 

In smog, the air becomes polluted which cannot be easily cleaned. It's also impossible to reduce exposure to air to a great extent but one should try to reduce the exposure to dust particles and for this purpose the air purifier may also be used including use of anti-pollution masks. 

5. Buy and Take Care of Indoor Plants: 

The indoor plants can purify the air and the indoor pollution is reduced to a great extent. One should buy Spider plants, Golden Pothos, Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) etc. and also take care of indoor plants. 

Apart from adopting these tips if anyone experience the difficulty in breathing or unpleasant breathlessness then it's must to contact doctor specialized in asthama and heart diseases.

*Copyright © 2018 Dr. Lalit Kumar. All rights reserved.