As per a recent survey, around 60% of the population living in Delhi and Mumbai are thinking to relocate to different cities because of the risk of increasing air pollution in both the metro cities.
The survey was conducted by Pristyn Care, a healthcare provider. Under the survey arund 4,000 people were studied from both the national capital, Mumbai, and the surrounding regions as well. The survey concluded that around 90% of the participants of the survey were fighting with the symptoms related to the bad Air Quality Index (AQI). The symptoms include- persistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, sore throat, and irritated or watery eyes.
The survey said, ‘Six in 10 residents in Delhi and Mumbai might consider relocating due to poor air quality and pollution’.
It further added, ‘Four in 10 residents in Delhi and Mumbai seek medical attention for health issues related to air pollution every year or at least every few years’.
The survey also highlighted how declining AQI has severe effects on individuals’ health specially during winter season. As per the survey, around 40% of participants experienced worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions like bronchitis or asthma in their known associates, specially during the winter season.
Answering to the question of adapting a particular lifestyle to deal with the worsening AQI, around 35% felt that decreasing the number of outdoor activities like excercising and running might help, whereas around 30% suggested the idea of wearing masks when outdoors.
Now talking about the air purifires, shockingly the survey suggests that only 27% of the participants in both the cities acknowledged using them, whereas around 43% of the participants are still under the, ‘misconception that their use reduces immunity.’