Ozone Pollution Health Effects: A few months ago, the Central Pollution Control Board had told the National Green Tribunal that the area most affected by ground-level ozone (O₃) pollution is the National Capital Region, followed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In the affidavit filed in the tribunal, CPCB analyzed the ozone level in 10 big areas of the country. According to the report, in 2023, 25 out of 57 air monitoring stations in NCR were more than 2 percent above the national eight-hour ozone standard. The situation was no different in Mumbai too, where 22 out of 45 stations had crossed the safe limit. NGT had taken suo motu cognizance of this matter on the basis of a news report last August, in which concern was expressed about the increasing ozone pollution in India. Let us tell you how they are harming your lungs.

What problem does this cause?

According to a PIB report, air pollution is one of the major reasons that increases respiratory diseases and their related problems. The CPCB has not conducted any specific survey on the health problems caused by exposure to ground-level ozone, but the following facts emerge regarding the effects of ozone (O₃):

• If ozone is inhaled, problems like chest pain, cough, nausea, throat irritation and congestion may occur.
• The effect of O₃ makes diseases like bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema and asthma more serious and can reduce the capacity of the lungs.
• Prolonged exposure to ozone can also cause permanent damage to the lungs.
• This makes the body more sensitive to allergens i.e. allergy causing factors.

How much damage does it cause to the lungs?

According to the US Environmental Agency (EPA), ground-level ozone directly reduces lung function. Ozone affects the inner lining of the airways when inhaled, which can cause swelling and irritation. The EPA states that ozone exposure can make it difficult to take deep breaths and that readings measuring lung capacity, such as FEV₁, have also been found to reduce immediately. This effect is more visible in people who already have asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory problems.

The EPA also states that repeated or prolonged exposure to ozone pollution can cause permanent damage to lung tissue. Due to continuous inflammation and oxidative stress, the airways become thick and over time, scarring can form in the lungs, which is not reversible. This is why ozone is considered a silent lung damager, which gradually reduces lung capacity and makes respiratory diseases more serious.

Also read: Fat Loss Tips: Only cardio and no carbs? Tamannaah Bhatia’s fitness trainer tells about her special routine which reduces fat fast.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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In view of the continuously deteriorating air quality in Delhi, Rekha Gupta’s government has started taking steps on a large scale. Under the guidelines of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), an advisory has been issued to private offices to work on-site with only 50% of the employees and to provide work-from-home facility to the rest. The government’s aim is to prevent the air quality from deteriorating further during the peak of pollution.

50% staff in private offices to work from home

According to the new advisory of Delhi government, private offices in the capital will now work with the physical presence of half the employees. This step has been taken as a precautionary measure to reduce the pollution pressure and help in maintaining stable air quality of the city. The government says that in the current situation this system is very important.

Government’s strictness amid GRAP-III

The capital is currently in Grape-III stage, due to which many restrictions are already in force. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “During GRAP-III, the Delhi government is taking every necessary step rapidly. Our focus is on clean air, public health and real-time monitoring on the ground.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta herself is reviewing the level of pollution. The government is especially cautious about the safety of vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, children and sick people. Officials have been instructed to take immediate action on every changing situation.

The government has already made changes in the timing of government offices.

To reduce the crowd and pressure of vehicles, the government has already changed the timetable of government offices. MCD offices will be functional from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and Delhi Government offices will be functional from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. This system will remain effective till February 2026, so that traffic is reduced during peak hours and pollution is also relieved.

Pollution control drive intensified, more than 2000 personnel on ground

Minister Sirsa said, “24×7 teams of Delhi government are continuously working on the ground. So far, more than 1,200 construction sites and industries have been inspected, show cause notices have been issued to more than 200. Whereas 50 polluting sites have been closed with immediate effect. The government says that all these efforts are part of a big and serious pollution control drive, from which the neighboring states are also getting direction.

Instructions to private offices to immediately implement advisory

The government has appealed to all private institutions to disseminate the new advisory to all their branches and teams and ensure that it is fully followed.

Pollution control is our priority- Manjinder Singh Sirsa

The Environment Minister said that the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is continuously working towards reducing pollution. He said, “Our priority is that the measures to reduce pollution are implemented with full effect and its impact on the daily life of Delhi is minimal.”