Let’s fight pollution: People vs Delhi’s toxic air

Take a look at how different categories of people in Delhi are affected by its foul air and how poisonous elements have wreaked havoc on people’s health, livelihood and lifestyle.

In the first week of November this year, the capital’s 24-hour average air pollution — 900micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter finer than 2.5 micrometers — was 40 times higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines (25ug/m3) and around 15 times higher than the Indian standards (60ug/m3).

This year Delhi was engulfed by a thick layer of smog after Diwali causing debilitating health problems. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

All segments of the city’s population — children, senior citizens, construction labourers, street workers, people who work from home as well as sportspersons — were affected by the envelop of smog.

The nation’s capital needs a strong pollution control plan, which will pave a road map for the years to come.

Take a look at how different categories of people in Delhi are affected by its foul air and how poisonous elements have wreaked havoc on people’s health, livelihood and lifestyle.

No child’s play: Children are worst affected

Confined to their homes, forced to wear masks when going out, children’s young lungs subject to a dangerous cocktail of toxic gases and deadly particulate matter.

Click to read how pollution is chocking Delhi’s kids

Bad ‘old’ days: Ageing inside a dust ball

A spike in the pollution levels can turn into a chronic and even fatal infection for an older person.

Click to read how pollution affects old people physically, mentally and emotionally

Killer roads: Exposed to dust and toxic vehicular emissions

While a person spends four hours on an average on travelling, there are thousands who have to spend up to seven hours on the roads every day.

Click to read how pollution is troubling drivers, vendors and traffic cops

Build up to pollution: Unsafe construction sites

In Delhi, around 4,000 tonnes of construction waste is generated every day. This constitutes around 40% of the total waste generated in the city.

Click to read how construction workers are exposed to dust and various other pollutants

Unsafe within four walls: Indoor pollution is killing you

Indoors or outdoors, pollution doesn’t discriminate. It kills equally.

Click to read how remaining indoors does not ensure safety from pollution

Pollution beats Delhi’s champs: Fitness freaks at greater risk

Research has shown that outdoor exercise does more harm than good, if pollution levels are high.

Click to read how playing sports, exercising put you at risk

Write to us at webresponse@hindustantimes.com with your suggestions or tweet to us with #LetsFightPollution.