AIIMS Director Guleria says Delhi air more harmful than cigarette smoking
Delhi's AIIMS Director Dr Guleria
Says Covid severity increases in polluted areas
New Delhi, Nov. 6 (Delhi Crown) – Delhi’s AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria on Saturday said that the rising air pollution levels could lead to a rise in Covid-19 cases as, according to him, “Covid severity increases in polluted areas”.
In an interview with a TV channel, Dr. Guleria said that Delhi’s air is more harmful than cigarette smoking.
“The pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains is very high. Burning crackers on Diwali, too, contributed to it significantly,” he was seen as telling the TV channel.
He further stated that the lifespan of Delhi residents has been significantly reduced due to high pollution levels.
“Studies have shown that the life expectancy of the residents of Delhi has been significantly reduced. The data remains to be validated but pollution definitely reduces lifespan. In fact, the lungs of Delhiites have turned blackish,” said Dr. Guleria.
To a question about claims of crackers not contributing much to air pollution in Delhi, he said, “the pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains is very high. Burning crackers on Diwali, too, contributed to it significantly.” “Vehicle movement increases during festivals, leading to pollution.”
Claiming that Covid severity increases in polluted areas, he stated – “Patients have more swelling in the lungs,” he said, adding, “Covid can even spread more easily as the coronavirus sticks to pollutants and doesn’t get dispersed.” The AIIMS Director cautioned that Covid-19 cases may now increase because of this.
According to him, even the neighbouring cities have also been affected.
