Uncovering How the Air Quality Index (AQI) Affects Your General Health

Health

Your health is influenced by the air you breathe. India’s metropolises are suffering more and more from thick smog, smoke, and gasoline exhaust. Human health is permanently impacted by air pollution. It should come as no surprise that the nation’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has become a major source of concern.

It is a gauge of the air’s cleanliness or pollution. In India, the government uses a range of 0-500 to calculate the AQI. Cleaner air results from fewer contaminants and a lower AQI. Poor air quality is indicated by a higher AQI, which also indicates a higher pollutant level. The frequency of readings with higher AQI values has sharply increased in recent years. Since the sources of pollution vary by location, every nation has its own AQI levels. The Indian government regularly alerts the public to dangerously high levels of air pollution by using the AQI method, which is based on variables listed above.

The composition of the Air Quality Index (AQI) is determined by the existence or lack of several pollutants, such as lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and particle matter. However, for the average person, only examining the AQI readings and the categories will provide a rough idea of the air quality.

Numerous health effects of poor air quality are observed. The health of the respiratory system is always one of the most direct repercussions. It is well recognized that illnesses including asthma, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, and obstructive lung disease are brought on by or made worse by the increased pollution levels. For those with such comorbidities, the frequency of ER visits recorded increases with decreasing air quality.

In India, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata are among the cities with the worst air quality. When the AQI in these cities rises beyond 500, it is deemed dangerous and individuals are advised to wear masks when they are not at home. When these levels are reached, those who did not previously have symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or breathing problems tend to develop them.

Many people are not aware that cardiovascular illnesses can also be caused by air pollution. Airborne particulates have the potential to enter the bloodstream, impact blood vessels, and ultimately damage the heart. The risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems rises with prolonged exposure to air pollution. For older adults, who are more susceptible to cardiac problems, this is an even more dangerous problem. Prolonged exposure to air pollutants has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive problems, according to recent research. In addition to damaging the respiratory system, air pollution also raises the risk of cardiovascular illnesses.

The airborne tiny particulate matter can enter the bloodstream and damage blood vessels, which can ultimately result in cardiac problems. Long-term exposure to air pollution can dramatically raise one’s risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, strokes, and other conditions, particularly in older adults who are more susceptible to heart disease. Furthermore, studies indicate that prolonged exposure to air pollution may raise the chance of developing cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Moving out requires taking precautions including donning helmets, masks that reduce pollutants, covering one’s face with a cotton cloth, applying sunscreen lotion, and frequently wiping one’s face.

Because pollution exposure dries out the skin, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and frequently washing your hands and face.

Read More: https://insightscare.in/

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