4 in 10 Delhi NCR families surveyed say someone has visited a doctor or hospital for pollution related health ailments and bought medicines in the last 3 weeks

November 12, 2024, New Delhi: The air quality in the Delhi national capital region continues to worsen post Diwali, which witnessed quite a lot of burning of firecrackers despite the ban. Following the rap by the Supreme Court, which has demanded to know how the ban on firecrackers was not fully implemented, Delhi government held a review meeting on November 5th, even as the Air Quality Index (AQI) had reached “hazardous” levels of over 350 in some parts of the capital or “poor quality” in most areas.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai has announced the launch of a campaign to discourage the open burning of waste as part of efforts to combat the rising air pollution levels. There is little relief expected with smog engulfing most parts of Delhi NCR from early evening till morning. The Supreme Court had last month reiterated that right to a pollution free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Yet residents of Delhi NCR are having to grapple with high levels of air pollution that is causing lot of health issues despite many people wearing masks when outside their homes or offices, and some investing in air purifiers and avoiding exposure by keeping windows and door closed. Health experts have been residents in Delhi NCR to avoid outdoor activities like running, cycling and walking.

Despite exercising all caution, many people are suffering from ill effects of high levels of air pollution. Children, elderly people, and those with medical conditions like asthma and other pulmonary issues are known to be particularly affected by toxic air. The health problem could start with mild irritation in the lining of the windpipe and lead to problems like breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, etc.

For those who are asthmatic, the high pollution could trigger an attack. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause several other life-threatening diseases like chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and even heart-related issues. A recent study by LocalCircles had revealed that 3 in 10 Delhi NCR residents surveyed are having health issues due to high levels of air pollution. In view of further deterioration in air quality in Delhi NCR, LocalCircles has conducted a new survey to find out how those who reside in the national capital and surrounding cities during Diwali are coping with their pollution related health ailments and if they have visited a Doctor/Hospital or bought medicines. The survey received over 21,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 61% respondents were men while 39% respondents were women.

41% Delhi NCR residents surveyed say someone in the family has visited a doctor or a hospital for a pollution related health ailment in the last few weeks

The survey first asked residents of Delhi NCR, “What type of medical assistance to pollution related ailments/ health conditions have you or family members sought in the last few weeks?” The question received 10,911 responses with 25% stating that “1 or more of us have visited a doctor already”; 16% of respondents stated “1 or more of us have visited a doctor and a hospital already”; 9% of respondents stated “1 or more of us have spoken to our doctor already or done an online consultation”; 25% of respondents stated “1 or more of us is having ailments/ health issues due to pollution and are likely to consult a doctor or visit a hospital in the next few days”; 16% of respondents stated “1 or more of us is having ailments/ health issues due to pollution but we believe we don’t need tom consult a doctor and can handle it ourselves”; however 9% of respondents stated “none of us has had any pollution related ailments/ health issues so far”. To sum up, 41% Delhi NCR residents surveyed say someone in the family has visited a doctor or a hospital for a pollution related health ailment in the last few weeks

47% Delhi NCR families surveyed say they have purchased one or more medicines/devices for pollution related ailments in the last 3 weeks

Given the increase in the number of people falling sick due to impact of air pollution, the survey next asked, “Did you purchase any medicines / devices related to pollution related health ailments in the last 3 weeks?” Out of 10,792 who responded to the question 47% stated that they had “purchased medicines/ devices” while 53% of respondents stated they had “not purchased anything”. To sum up, 47% Delhi NCR families surveyed say they have purchased one or more medicines/devices for pollution related ailments in the last 3 weeks.

33% Delhi NCR families surveyed say they have purchased cough syrup in the last 3 weeks; 20% purchased paracetamol while 13% families purchased items like inhaler or nebuliser

The survey asked Delhi NCR families who purchased medicines in the last 3 weeks for pollution related ailments, “What all types of medicines/ devices related to pollution related health ailments have you purchased in the last 3 weeks?” Some among the 5,072 who responded to the question indicated more than one option. The largest group of 33% indicated “cough syrup”; 20% indicated “paracetamol”; 13% indicated "inhaler”; 13% indicated "nebulizer”; 13% indicated "antihistamine”; 7% indicated "bronchodilator”; 13% indicated "antibiotics”; and 7% indicated "other medicines/ devices not mentioned above”. To sum up, 33% Delhi NCR families surveyed say they have purchased cough syrup in the last 3 weeks; 20% purchased paracetamol while 13% families purchased items like inhaler or nebulizer.

In summary, 81% of families surveyed have 1 or more members unwell due to high air pollution in Delhi NCR while around 4 in 10 households have had someone who has visited a doctor or a hospital for pollution related health ailments in the last three weeks. Due to the impact on health, 47% Delhi NCR families surveyed say they have purchased one or more medicines/devices for pollution related ailments in the last 3 weeks. The survey shows that families ailing due to air pollution have bought many medicines / devices to cope with their health issues. 33% Delhi NCR families surveyed say they have purchased cough syrup in the last 3 weeks; 20% purchased paracetamol while 13% families purchased items like inhaler or nebulizer.

The survey highlights that impact of high air pollution is quite widespread and the need for authorities to take strict measures on the ground against those who violate the norms of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in place.

Survey Demographics

The survey received over 21,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 61% respondents were men while 39% respondents were women. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform, and all participants were validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.