Winter smog blankets cities as pollution levels increase

PUNE: The air quality this year has been hazy and gloomy, in stark contrast to Pune’s usually clear blue skies in October, which can be blamed on worsening air quality and increasing PM2.5 concentration in the past two weeks.
Data shared by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology’s SAFAR system on Monday showed that the situation in Pune and Mumbai is bad and is expected to get worse.
PM2.5 are fine particles suspended in the air that are known to adversely affect respiratory health and overall health. It is a key indicator of air quality and a major public health concern. The pollutant concentration in Mumbai and Pune has exceeded the permissible level of 60 g/m3.
Between October 1 and 15, PM2.5 concentration in Pune increased from a relatively low pollution level of 34.48 g/m3 to 62.56 g/m3.
The PM2.5 concentration in Mumbai increased from 45.80 g/m3 to 73.70 g/m3 during the same period.
In Pune, this means an increase in doctor visits, especially for those prone to or suffering from sinusitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), city doctors told TOI. COPD) and other diseases.
Construction activity, falling temperatures at night increase pollution
The data shows worrying trends in air quality in both cities – with air pollution getting worse over time. PM2.5 particulate matter consists of tiny particles in the air that can be harmful to human health when inhaled. Experts say long-term exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels can lead to a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease and an overall decrease in quality of life. Dr Rajkumar Nikalje, chest physician at Valedic Multi-Specialty Hospital, Pune, told TOI that there has been an increase in the number of patients experiencing coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties. Cases of throat irritation have also been reported. “Pollution levels and viruses that cause flu, cold and cough are exacerbating these problems. We have seen a 50 per cent increase in such patients at our OPD compared to the same period last year.
“Asthma patients complain of worsening symptoms.” Symptoms of pre-existing conditions such as asthma and COPD are increasing in children and the elderly, city pulmonologist Dr Himanshu Pophale told TOI. “High pollution levels seem to worsen these symptoms. The number of such patients in my OPD has increased by more than 40 per cent in the last 15 days. “Viral infections are also on the rise, and air pollution increases the infectivity of respiratory viruses. Meanwhile, an expert from IITM said pollution levels appear to be slightly higher compared to the same period last year, mainly due to early exit of monsoon. “Last October showers washed away the pollutants, keeping them under control.”
However, this October the weather was dry, leading to a buildup of pollutants. ” He further said: “Increased construction activities and falling night temperatures are two other reasons for rising pollution levels. Furthermore, cutting down trees disrupts the natural balance of the ecosystem, leading to various direct and indirect consequences that may worsen the air quality index and increase pollution. ”
Shashikant Nehul, a research scholar at the Department of Environment at Savitribai Phule Pune University, told TOI, “There has been an increase in smog in October this year, but data needs to be supported. This also means that pollution may be worse during Diwali. People should avoid setting off firecrackers, Because contaminants have started to accumulate.”
Dipanita Roy from Hadapsar said: “My sinus problem flared up and gave me a splitting headache. I am worried about what will happen if this continues. “I really hope that Pune does not go the way of Delhi. “A city doctor said: “When it comes to festivals, people will eat all kinds of food. “People should be careful about what they eat, consume healthy foods and juices appropriately, and it’s important to stay hydrated.”