Chennai too chokes as air pollution levels soar

At 6 pm on November 6, Alandur registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 155 PM2.5 and IIT Chennai recorded 151 PM2.5. While Chennai US Consulate recorded 160 PM2.5 and Manali had 177PM2.5. All figures are categorised as ‘unhealthy’ according to data furnished by the Central Pollution Control Board. As per the monitoring website, this level of PM2.5 can lead people to experience health effects, especially sensitive groups.

The website also added that children, adults and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. While the air pollution and smog situation in New Delhi, which has been attributed to Deepavali firecrackers and vehicular pollution, has rung a warning bell, experts say that Chennai’s air quality has been steadily declining. 

Though the air pollution during Deepavali in Chennai was lower than Delhi, the increasing vehicular pollution, thermal plants and burning of garbage can lead to serious degradation of the city’s ambient air quality. Environmentalist Nityanand Jayaram attributed the high levels of air pollution to a combination of an increase in the number of thermal power plants and higher vehicular pollution. 

“In Chennai, an area like Manali recorded 431PM2.5 on Deepavali, which is highly hazardous. Yet, there has been no advisory issued asking people to stay at home. We need a policy to reduce the number of cars on the road and look at alternatives to fossil fuels,” said the activist. Dr Thiruppathi, Consultant Pulmonologist at SIMS, said an increase in the suspended particulate matter will lead to respiratory disorders. 

“Persons with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will see a worsening of symptoms, leading to cough, phlegm formation, breathing difficulties and pneumonia. Air pollution can predispose to more incidents of childhood pneumonia. In the children and elderly, the two groups who are most susceptible, suspended particulate matter can cause respiratory disorders,” he concluded.