Kochi’s air is toxic at night: What's causing it? Solutions
While steps have been taken to process plastics and organic waste following the Brahmapuram fire, the overall air quality remains largely unchanged.
While steps have been taken to process plastics and organic waste following the Brahmapuram fire, the overall air quality remains largely unchanged.
While steps have been taken to process plastics and organic waste following the Brahmapuram fire, the overall air quality remains largely unchanged.
Dear Kochiites, take note. The air you inhale at night has, for weeks, quietly become a carrier of diseases. For some time now, the city’s nighttime Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently fallen into the `unhealthy' category and at times, even soared beyond it.
Over the past week, the city experienced a strong and pungent odour on several nights, reminiscent of the stench that spread when the Brahmapuram waste heap caught fire. Even during the late-night hours, when vehicular traffic is minimal, the AQI has remained alarmingly high. This, says Dr E Rajagopal Kamath, a science writer who has studied the issue in depth, indicates large-scale air pollution originating from sources beyond traffic.
He also noted serious lapses in the city’s waste management systems. Dr Kamath specifically highlights the widespread practice of setting waste on fire as a major contributor to this growing crisis.
Diseases on the rise
Recent data, meanwhile, also indicate a worrying rise in respiratory illnesses, including chronic lung conditions. Studies also show that air pollution contributes to diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s, a lack of energyy among young adults and cognitive impairments in children. Mental health problems, including depression, are also linked to poor air quality.
Despite numerous directives from the High Court and other authorities regarding pollution in the city, there has been little improvement in controlling atmospheric pollution. While steps have been taken to process plastics and organic waste following the Brahmapuram fire, the overall air quality remains largely unchanged.
AQI danger zones
0–50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory, posing little or no risk.
51–100 (Moderate): Acceptable.
101–150 (Unhealthy ): Health risks begin at this level, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
151–200 (Unhealthy): Even healthy individuals may experience adverse effects. When the air quality reaches this level, it is advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities.
201–300 (Very Unhealthy): Significant health risks. People with health issues should avoid outdoor activities entirely. In Kochi, AQI has begun touching this range on some nights.
Above 300 (Hazardous): Extremely dangerous. Staying indoors is strongly advised. For comparison, Delhi frequently records AQI values above 300, with higher levels of fine particulate matter.
Kochi vs Delhi: Understanding the air crisis
Even if one points out that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is roughly twice Kochi’s, at 150, the two cities differ significantly in atmospheric humidity. Kochi’s air has a humidity level of around 80%, while Delhi’s is only 55–60%.
Higher humidity causes pollutants to linger in the air for longer periods, which is why Kochi is gradually approaching the hazardous air conditions seen in Delhi. So, when we worry about Delhi’s air quality, it is important to remember that Kochi is facing a comparable level of risk.
Bad AQI in your city: How to stay healthy
Here are a few tips given by doctors for those staying in cities with unhealthy air quality:
1) Wear an N95 mask if not near an air purifier or HEPA filter.
2) Place snake plants, aloe vera and spider plants inside your house
3) Include vitamin C and antioxidant sources in your food, like oranges and amla
4) Don't add to the pollution with incense sticks or candles in your interiors
5) Keep inhalers and medicines close if you have breathing issues
6) Limit outdoor visits, stay back at home.