It is normal for doctors to advise their patients to go for a morning walk to maintain a healthy body. But if you are in Delhi, the story is totally different.??
With the increase in pollution level, a group of doctors from top hospitals in the national capital have issued an advisory suggesting people, especially elders, to avoid morning walks.
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They said the concentration of PM 2.5, tiny particles that can enter the lungs, and other toxic gases are highest at body-level in the morning.
"Exercising is vital for health but not when we are breathing poison," the health advisory issued as part of 'my right to breathe' campaign, stated.
It has been endorsed by cardiac surgeon Dr Naresh Trehan, pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria and Dr Neeraj Jain, surgeon Dr Arvind Kumar, radiologist Dr Harsh Mahajan, microbiologist Dr Navin Dang and physicians Dr Ashwani Chopra and Dr Alok Chopra.
Dr Kumar said a normal adult breathes approximately six litres air per minute at rest but while exercising, he or she may inhale up to 20 litre thus causing more toxicity.
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"Running a marathon in these air conditions can deposit approximately two tablespoons of toxic ash in your lungs," the head of the department of chest surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) said.
Cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Naresh Trehan had earlier demonstrated how the lungs of those residing in Delhi was turning black on account of high pollution when people living in clear locations, for example, hill states, had healthier and pink lungs.
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"On Thursday, I opened the chest of a 21-year-old girl for biopsy. Her lungs were black which is reflective of a number of toxins inhaled and deposited," Dr Kumar said.
Many people have been wearing masks while going out and installing air purifiers at home. But experts said these personal measures are of little help. "You cannot wear the masks 24x7. Nor can you filter all the air you breathe using purifiers. The only way out is long-term solutions, for example reducing fuel consumption by using public transport and participating in tree plantation drive."
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"The government must find a way to stop crop burning, which adds to the capital's woes every winter," said a doctor. D K Agarwal, a member of National Green Tribunal, said giving subsidy to farmers is one of the ways to stop this practice.