How to Protect Pregnant Mothers and Babies from Delhi NCR's Alarming Air Quality

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized tool, It helps people to understand how clean or polluted the air is. AQI score of 301+ is seen as a hazardous level of air indicating precautions and safety. Post Diwali air quality in Delhi has been low sometime even worsening causing harmful effect on health specially on respiratory organs.

In November 2024 specifically from November 15 to November 20 Delhi NCR has seen a significant rise in AQI value from 396 to 500 in multiple areas highlighting an air quality crisis. In November 18, 2024 Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) published its research paper where they have mentioned that thermal power plants in the Delhi-NCR region are responsible for emitting 16 times more sulphur dioxide (SO₂) pollution between June 2022 to May 2023.

In an interview of Dr. Arup Halder, a senior pulmonologist at CMRI Hospital with Business Standard says when the AQI worsens it can cause serious health issues. Micro particulate matter can damage lungs and harms the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs. Additionally some studies have also mentioned that air pollutant can cause cognitive decline, dementia, and strokes and can hinder neurological development of the child and if you are a Pregnant woman it can disrupt placental development, harm fetal growth and even lead to long-term epigenetic changes in the child. In children's it can cause asthma, allergic rhinitis, and lung cancer.

Due to poor air quality adult can suffer from Cardiovascular and Respiratory disease as a result it is very important for you to take major steps to safeguard yourself and your baby from severe alarming air quality. In this article, we have discussed Precautions and Natural Remedies for Protection against alarming air pollution.

Herbal Teas for Detoxification

Ginger tea is regarded as an anti-inflammatory beverage which has a positive impact on the entire respiratory system. Turmeric tea, however, is best known for its curcumin-rich ‘Indian’ spice that offers antioxidants which help tackle oxidative stress caused by the dirty air. Finally, Tulsi tea (which translates as’ holy basil’), is popularly used as an immune system booster which helps reduce the damaging effects of air pollution on the body. Air pollution is a huge problem all around the world; these herbal teas can be used daily even in the most impacted regions helping in reducing inflammation and boosting immunity.

Use of Anti-Pollution Foods

There are easier approaches one can take in the fight against the effects of air pollution and here anti-pollution foods play important role. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, contains high levels of vitamin C which is essential for the immune system, and therefore Amla can be said to be very useful in fighting oxidative stress caused by the elements present in our environment. Walnuts and flaxseeds which have omega-3 fats are great for lung inflammation and hence improving normal respiratory health. Vegetables such as kale and spinach contain a lot of antioxidants to reduce harmful actions of free radicals that are prevalent in the polluted atmosphere. These foods help in increasing the body’s resistance, lowering inflammation and enhancing the lungs’ operation to mitigate the adverse effects brought by air pollution.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Essential oils and aromatherapy are natural relief from the harmful effects of air pollution. Eucalyptus oil is especially important in promoting respiratory health by opening the airways and reducing inflammatory conditions. Its soothing vapours inhale help relieve congestion and thereby improve respiration. Similarly, peppermint oil is widely recognized as providing effective relief from respiratory irritation and makes breathing much easier along with a refreshing, calming effect. On the contrary, tea tree oil is excellent in purifying the atmosphere since it fights against microbial pollutants and supports cleaner, fresher air.

Incorporating Air-Purifying Plants

Many Indoor Plants act as air Purifiers. These not only beautify the interior of the house but also purify the air. It has been proven that they can eliminate indoor space pollutants, including Carbon dioxide and in return, it will restore the oxygen level. The air-purifying plants are nothing but natural filters for all harmful pollutants present in the air. For instance, Peace Lily takes in ammonia and acetone while the Snake Plant removes formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides from the atmosphere. Leaves of such purifying plants can capture dust, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and many other suspended particles in sight. Even high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be reduced by air purifying plants. Spider Plants and Aloe Vera are examples that can reduce indoor toxin levels considerably.

Here is the list of Air-Purifying Plants:

• Spider Plants

• Peace Lilies

• Snake Plants

• Elephant Ears

• Weeping Figs

• Rubber Plants

• Bamboo Palms

• Heartleaf Philodendron

• Aloe Vera

Precautions against Air pollution

• Stay Indoors During Peak Pollution Hours

  The air quality is poor generally around early morning hours and late evenings. One should remain indoors during these periods when the pollution levels are quite high. This indoors stay will protect you from dangerous pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, which are responsible for causing respiratory as well as cardiovascular problems.

• Use High-Quality Air Purifiers

  Indoor air can be more contaminated than the outside air, particularly in cities. Air purifiers with HEPA filters improve indoor air quality much more quickly than without. These devices are specifically designed to trap very small particulate matter and other dangerous pollutants, making the air in your house cleaner; this is of particular concern for pregnant women, children, and older adults.

• Wear N95 Masks Outdoors

  If you need to go outside when pollution is high, wearing an N95 mask can help shield you from fine particles (PM2.5) and other harmful substances in the air. These masks are made to filter out pollutants and are especially useful for those with breathing issues or for vulnerable groups, like pregnant women and kids.

• Monitor Air Quality

  Stay informed with air quality in your area by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) often. Many apps and websites provide live AQI information, which can help you plan your activities. By monitoring air quality, you can decide when to stay inside or not to exercise outdoors.

In conclusion, higher AQI levels in Delhi show clear health risks from air pollution. Clean air is essential for life, but human actions have harmed air quality, leading to more heart and lung diseases. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly face greater health threats. Therefore, individuals need to take precautions and use natural remedies. Staying inside during high pollution times, using air purifiers, wearing N95 masks, and checking AQI levels are important steps. Furthermore, adding herbal teas, anti-pollution foods, essential oils, and indoor plants can help protect you and your family from the bad effects of air pollution.