DELHI AIR POLLUTION CRISIS
-Aanya Sachdev and Tia Pahwa
Delhi, the capital of India is not only known for its rich culture and heritage but also
the severe levels of air pollution that it has now. Pollution is the introduction of
harmful materials into the environment. Pollution not only interferes with quality of
human life or environmental ecosystems but it also negatively impacts human mental
and physical health. Air pollution, water pollution, noise and soil pollution are some of
the common types of pollution.
Delhi is confirmed to be the densely contaminated capital for the consecutive few
years be it 2018 records or 2017. The air quality of this city often reaches hazardous
levels, especially during winter months when the stubble burning, vehicular
emissions, industrial discharge and construction dust culminates in a toxic haze.
According to the World Air Quality Report, the city’s air quality index(AQI) often
surpasses 300, indicating “very poor” or “hazardous” conditions. In 2014, the World
Health Organisation(WHO) declared Delhi as one of the most contaminated capitals
of the world because of the air quality which is even worse than Beijing, China.
Now the real question is that why is a big capital city like Delhi so polluted? Firstly,
Delhi is attached to the boundaries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. These
states contribute a lot to Delhi pollution by burning the crop husks open on the fields.
Secondly, pollution caused by the automobile traffic on the roads running on
non-renewable and high potential polluting fuels in the capital is one more reason for
the contamination and smoke and fog. Moreover, Large scale construction is an
additional reason which contributes to the increasing of the dust pollutants and the
contamination of the air in Delhi. Another reason for pollution is overcrowding in
Delhi. Overpopulations leads to increased levels of different forms of emissions,
such as increase in air and noise pollution. Additionally, industrial pollution and
firecrackers also play a huge role in contributing to Delhi pollution.
A number of human health risks can be associated with repeated and over exposure
to extreme air pollution. There exists multiple physical health concerns of this, such
as respiratory diseases and cardiovascular issues, however, not many talks about
the psychological impact of this environmental crisis.
1. Anxiety and Stress
A noteworthy mention needs to be taken as we speak about the relationship
between people being exposed to polluted air and displaying more psychological
health concerns. People are more likely to present anxious and expressive
symptoms in comparison to people who have lived in and inhaled less polluted and
cleaner air. This poor aur quality is also linked to increase levels of anxiety due to the
presence of pollutants that can induce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain,
causing anxiety disorders. One may also fall under stressful conditions thinking
about their living situation and this might cause a sustained state of anxiety.
Furthermore, lack of awareness about harmful pollutants and their impacts also
leads to increased levels of stress. Studies have shown that individuals exposed to
high levels of air pollution are more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and
stress-related disorders. (Air Pollution as a Risk for Mental Health Problems: An
Exploratory Study of Direct and Indirect Pathways, 2023, Exploring the
Neurobiological Mechanisms Mediating the Impact of Air Pollution on Cognitive and
Emotional Health in Urban Residents of New Delhi, 2024)
2. Depression
Air pollution can also be linked to an increase in depression because of the
psychological toll it has on those who live in a polluted city. More often than not,
feelings of despair and hopelessness can be seen in this regard. Research indicates
that exposure to air pollution can affect neurotransmitter systems in the brain,
potentially increasing the risk of depressive disorders. In Urban pollution, there is a
presence of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide that has the potential to alter
brain chemistry furthering affecting mood. For example, neurological changes can
be caused due to the inflammation triggered by these pollutants. Moreover, exposure
to significant high levels of air pollution can be dangerous for children and
adolescents since they are still in their developmental phases. Research says that
children and adolescents breathing polluted air may portray depressive symptoms
and are at a higher risk for suicidal behaviours. The same research also observed
structural and functional changes in the brain region through neuroimaging
techniques.
3. Cognitive Function and development
Not only your emotional well being but also cognitive functions are affected by air
pollution. It is said time and time again that children exposed to high levels of air
pollution exhibit lower cognitive abilities and academic performances. These
cognitive impairments can lead to feelings of frustration among children which can
carry onto their adult life.
4. Social isolation and community disruption
Citizens tend to avoid outdoor activities due to health concerns resulting in social
isolation. This social isolation or withdrawal can increase feelings of loneliness and
reduce the sense of oneness as a community. Thus, high pollution levels disrupt
social interactions and affect people's social life. On the other hand, as people stay
indoors, opportunities for social engagement reduce and that contribute to a
collective sense of distance and disconnection from the fellow resident. One such
study that highlights how air pollution affects mental health, states that participants
mentioned that they had to live a restricted lifestyle and were under a lockdown
situation due to air pollution.
However, communities in Delhi have adapted to various coping mechanisms to
cause relief. One such is the public awareness campaigns aimed at educating
residents about the health risks of pollution. These initiatives are not only to inform
the public about the causes and effects but also to empower them to take action and
indulge in activities to influence their lifestyles.
Not only that but also, mental health professionals have started to recognise the
need to address environmental factors in their therapy and counselling. Mindfulness
and cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT are practices to help individuals manage
anxiety and depression linked to environmental stressors. Support groups have also
been formed as a result of this, and it allows individuals to share their experiences
and foster resilience during adverse times.
Furthermore, to effectively address the psychological impacts of air pollution,
effective policies are required. Governments and local authorities must prioritise air
quality improvement initiatives while also considering the mental health of residents.
This can include implementing stricter regulations which will lead to significant
improvement in air quality, promoting green spaces for residents to relax and
unwind, investing in public transport and encouraging people to use more public
transport which can help reduce vehicular emissions and encourage community
interactions.
In conclusion, the Delhi air pollution crisis gives rise to significant problems not only
to environmental ecosystems and physical health but also to mental health of
humans. The psychological impacts include anxiety, depression, social isolation.
These problems highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address
both environmental and mental health concerns. Residents need to be more aware
and indulge in certain practices to improve air quality and enhance air quality of life
for all residents of Delhi.
REFERENCES
Delhi Air Pollution Crisis and Its Effects on Human Health
Air Pollution as a Risk for Mental Health Problems: An Exploratory Study of Direct and
Indirect Pathways
Air pollution in Delhi: A review of past and current policy approaches
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/bad-air-hits-mental-health-causes-anxiety-ngt-to
ld/articleshow/108955475.cms
Exploring the Neurobiological Mechanisms Mediating the Impact of Air Pollution on Cognitive
and Emotional Health in Urban Residents of New Delhi
