Former AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria cautions that air pollution is a silent killer that worsens health and causes hidden issues. He calls for greater air purifier effectiveness and age-group statistics. Delhi’s air quality improved marginally on Sunday, although Anand Vihar station remains “very poor.”..
Dr. Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS director, warned that air pollution is a silent killer that worsens existing health disorders and produces hidden health problems as Delhi-NCR air quality deteriorate. Dr. Guleria told The Indian Express, “We can learn from other solutions, but this is a medical emergency, a silent killer that impacts us and future generations. We must act, even at great expense.”
The veteran pulmonologist underlined the need for more air purifier efficacy evidence when discussing indoor air pollution and mitigation. Their efficacy depends on room size and ventilation, he said.
Indoor air quality often affects outdoor air quality. Dust can enter a closed room and pollute. Air purifier efficacy relies on room size and ventilation. Dr. Guleria stressed that many Delhi homes are not airtight, thus pollution can enter even when closed.
Air pollution stunts lung growth in youngsters and increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and dementia in the elderly, he said.
Air quality in Delhi improved somewhat on Sunday, with the overall AQI reaching 297 in ‘poor’ levels, according to SAFAR statistics. The Central Pollution Control Board placed Anand Vihar station in the “very poor” category with PM 2.5 at 305 and PM 10 at 261, in the national capital. AQI between 0 and 50 is ‘good’, 51 and 100’satisfactory’, 101 and 200’moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400’very poor’, and 401 and 500’severe’
Conclusion
Former AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria called air pollution a silent killer that worsens existing health disorders and causes concealed health issues. He stressed the importance of room size and ventilation in air purifier efficacy and the need for more data. Dust can infiltrate closed rooms and pollute indoor air, which is linked to outdoor air quality. Delhi’s many unairtight rooms let pollution in even when the door is closed. Air pollution stunts lung growth in youngsters and increases the incidence of stroke, heart attacks, and dementia in the elderly, according to Dr. Guleria. Delhi’s AQI improved to 297 on Sunday, indicating ‘bad’ air quality. Anand Vihar station was rated “very poor” by the Central Pollution Control Board with PM 2.5 at 305 and PM 10 at 261.
