Delhi, the capital city, is facing a major air pollution crisis. The air is so bad that it’s like breathing in poison. This is making people sick, especially children, the elderly, and those with breathing problems.
The pollution is primarily caused by particulate matter (PM2.5), tiny particles in the air that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers (about 30 times smaller than a human hair). These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing serious health problems.
Other sources of pollution include cars, factories, and burning fields in nearby states. The weather is also making the problem worse, as the pollution gets trapped near the ground.
When people breathe in this polluted air, it can cause a lot of health problems, including:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Heart problems
- Lung cancer
To protect themselves, people should:
- Wear masks: These can help filter out some of the harmful particles in the air.
- Avoid going outside: When the air quality is bad, it’s best to stay indoors.
- Keep windows closed: This will help prevent polluted air from entering your home.
- Use air purifiers: These can help clean the air inside your home.
The government is working to improve the air quality, but it will take time. In the meantime, it’s important for everyone to take steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution, especially the dangerous PM2.5 particles.
