A new survey reveals a stark reality of the pollution crisis engulfing India’s capital: nearly half of all families in and around New Delhi have sought medical help for respiratory ailments directly linked to the toxic air, Bloomberg reports.
The survey, conducted by pollster LocalCircles, found that a staggering 81% of respondents reported at least one family member experiencing an illness related to air pollution. A concerning 40% of these households sought medical attention, with some even resorting to emergency hospital visits.
The survey also revealed that half of the participants had purchased cough syrups, inhalers, and even antibiotics in the past three weeks to manage the symptoms of pollution-induced illnesses.
These findings highlight the immediate health risks posed by the severe air quality in Delhi, a city known for its year-round struggle with pollution. The situation worsens during the colder months, with the capital recording 25 days of ‘very unhealthy’ or ‘hazardous’ air quality in the last month alone, according to the Swiss monitor IQAir.
“It is a public health concern and we are going to escalate this survey to the government today,” said Sachin Taparia, founder of LocalCircles. He plans to approach both national and local authorities to address the issue.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has yet to comment on the alarming survey results.
This survey provides a rare snapshot of the immediate impact of Delhi’s poor air quality on its residents. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address the environmental degradation that poses significant health risks to the nation’s population.
