Delhi’s AQI levels are constantly declining. Being exposed to air pollution for longer periods of time can lead to memory loss and other cognitive problems.
While the air quality in the national capital remains in the “very poor” category, health experts on Thursday said prolonged exposure to air pollution can be harmful to the brain.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) was 336 at 7.30 am. Several monitoring stations across the national capital recorded the air quality in the “very poor” category, between 301 and 400.
During the day, the air quality is expected to fall to the ‘severe’ category in places where the AQI is close to 400, according to the CPCB.
A recent study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, showed that short-term air pollution exposure claimed 33,000 lives a year in 10 Indian cities, with Delhi topping the list with 12,000 deaths each year.
Dr PN Renjen, senior consultant neurology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, told IANS that pollution poses a major threat to physical and neurological health.
“Heavy metals such as lead and mercury, along with volatile organic compounds, have detrimental effects on brain function. Neurotoxins from pollution can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal damage,” Renjen said.
“This not only impairs cognitive abilities such as memory, attention and executive functioning, but also increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In addition, pollution increases the risk of suffering a stroke due to neurotoxins and oxidative stress, which affect the arteries and contribute to atherosclerosis,” said the doctor.
Higher levels of exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may increase the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, recent studies published in JAMA Network Open revealed.
Long-term exposure to air pollution has also been associated with reduced brain volume, accelerated brain aging, and higher rates of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, and studies show that children exposed to high levels of pollution may experience poor cognitive development, while older adults face a higher risk of cognitive decline.
In addition to the brain, increased pollution levels can also affect the eyes and skin and cause respiratory problems.
“Exposure to smoke and particulate matter can cause red, itchy and watery eyes, while increased pollen and pollutants can exacerbate allergies,” Dr Mukesh Mehra, senior director of internal medicine at Max Super, told IANS. Specialty Hospital.
Pollutants can also cause skin irritation, breakouts, and allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure can also cause skin damage and premature aging, trigger asthma attacks and other chronic respiratory diseases, the doctor said.
Experts called for creating a safe indoor environment with air purifiers; wear masks when going outdoors during high pollution levels and eat healthy.
