Authorities have urged people, especially children and the elderly, to stay indoors as much as possible, while doctors recommend wearing a mask. But Frank Hammes, global chief executive of air technology company IQAir, warns this is just a short term measure - and much more needs to be done. "Alarming air pollution levels are a public health pandemic," he told the BBC, explaining how toxic air impacts everything from mortality to IQ levels. "This is going to have a much bigger impact on public health than Covid-19."
onsdag 18. desember 2024
Expert warns of public health emergency as Delhi's toxic air returns
Delhi's pollution has once again soared to hazardous levels, with a top expert warning that India's toxic air will have a bigger impact on public health than the Covid-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, the air quality was 35 times over the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO), leaving residents complaining of breathing problems, as well as itching in their eyes and throat.
Authorities have urged people, especially children and the elderly, to stay indoors as much as possible, while doctors recommend wearing a mask. But Frank Hammes, global chief executive of air technology company IQAir, warns this is just a short term measure - and much more needs to be done. "Alarming air pollution levels are a public health pandemic," he told the BBC, explaining how toxic air impacts everything from mortality to IQ levels. "This is going to have a much bigger impact on public health than Covid-19."
Authorities have urged people, especially children and the elderly, to stay indoors as much as possible, while doctors recommend wearing a mask. But Frank Hammes, global chief executive of air technology company IQAir, warns this is just a short term measure - and much more needs to be done. "Alarming air pollution levels are a public health pandemic," he told the BBC, explaining how toxic air impacts everything from mortality to IQ levels. "This is going to have a much bigger impact on public health than Covid-19."
