60% of Delhi, Mumbai residents are considering moving out due to air pollution: Report

Air pollution has sharply risen in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From breathing problems to shortness of breath, residents of these metro cities are trying to cope with the increasing levels of pollution. According to the latest reports, residents of Delhi and Mumbai, around 60 per cent of them, are considering moving out to escape the pollution and traffic jams. Healthcare provider Pristyn Care conducted the study recently.

Around 4000 residents living in Delhi and Mumbai participated in the survey. According to the study, 9 out of 10 residents have suffered prevalent symptoms linked to the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in the cities. The symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, sore throat, and watery or itchy eyes.

The study also revealed that an approx 40 per cent of 4000 participants complained of worsening pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. The report further revealed that 4 in 10 residents from the top two metro cities seek medical attention annually/ in a gap of a few years due to respiratory issues arising from air pollution.

35 per cent of the participants stated that they have stopped doing outdoor activities like running and jogging, while another 30 per cent said that they started wearing masks when outdoors.

Despite the increasing air pollution, only 27 per cent of individuals in Delhi and Mumbai acknowledged using air purifiers while a shocking 43 per cent still thought that air purifiers reduce immunity!

Also watch: Delhi air quality improves, pollution curbs under GRAP Stage III eased