Gasping for Breath: The Urgent Need for Action on Air Pollution

Breathing in clean air is a basic human right, but for millions of people living in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, it's a luxury they can't afford. Air pollution has become a pressing concern in India, and its impact on public health and the environment cannot be ignored. Sadly, the consequences of air pollution are even more severe for women and those with mental health concerns, who are disproportionately affected. Given the severity of the issue, it is crucial to ask ourselves: what steps can we take to ensure that everyone has access to clean air? How can we work together to reduce the impact of air pollution on the most vulnerable populations in our society? These critical questions require urgent attention and action from individuals, governments, and organizations alike.

In India, landfill fires are a major cause of air pollution. India generates more than 100,000 tons of waste each day, but only 20-30 percent of it is treated, according to a 2018 report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).  The rest of the waste is dumped in landfills, which are often unregulated and poorly managed. The accumulated waste in landfills creates the perfect conditions for fires to occur, which release toxic fumes and particulate matter into the air.

The effects of air pollution on public health are well-documented, with a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases being associated with exposure to polluted air. However, the impact of air pollution on mental health is a relatively new area of research. Studies have found that air pollution can have a significant impact on mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi found that exposure to air pollution increased the risk of anxiety and depression in adults by 65%. Women are disproportionately affected by air pollution in India. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution caused 1.3 million deaths in India in 2019, with women accounting for 61% of these deaths. This is due to a combination of factors, including their increased exposure to indoor air pollution (caused by cooking with biomass fuels) and their greater vulnerability to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

One approach to solve the issue of air pollution in India is to revive traditional practices, such as Ayurveda and Yoga. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, uses natural herbs and remedies to treat respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Yoga, on the other hand, emphasizes the use of breathing techniques and meditation to promote overall health and wellbeing. Both Ayurveda and Yoga have been shown to have a positive impact on respiratory health and can be used to complement modern medical treatments.

Another solution is to promote sustainable practice like waste segregation and recycling to reduce the amount of waste generated and sent to landfills. The Indian government has launched several initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), to promote waste management and sanitation. However, these initiatives have faced challenges, including poor implementation and lack of community participation.

Air pollution is a problem that affects everyone, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. It is not just an environmental issue, but a human issue. We cannot continue to ignore the impact it has on our health and our planet. The time has come for us to take responsibility and take action to reduce our carbon footprint. It is pre-eminent that we embrace sustainable practices and innovative technologies to take a step towards a healthier and greener future.  

 References:

1. Central Pollution Control Board. (2018). Annual Report 2017-2018. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

2. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. (2020). Exposure to air pollution increases risk of anxiety, depression. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200204105828.htm

3. World Health Organization. (2019). Air pollution causes 7 million premature deaths every year. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/05-05-2019-air-pollution-causes-7-million-premature-deaths-every-year