New Delhi: In the backdrop of alarming pollution levels choking Delhi-NCR, a growing number of employees have been calling in sick, leading to a 5-10 per cent staff crunch across firms operating in the region, according to a report.
A survey conducted by Assocham over the last one week revealed that the persistent smog across Delhi-NCR has started taking a toll on employees' health and is hampering their ability to do their duties efficiently.
Here is a look at the deadly toxins that are making life miserable for Delhiites:
CARBON MONOXIDE
- Prescribed standard: 4 mg/m3
- Recorded level: 13.90 mg/m3 at anand vihar at 8:00 pm on Sunday
- Health effects: nausea, shortness of breath, headaches
OXIDES OF NITROGEN
- Prescribed standard: 80 μg/m3
- Highest recorded level: 233.30 μg/m3 at mandir marg at 11:00 pm on Sunday
- Health effects: irritation in lungs and eyes
PARTICULATE MATTER (< 2.5 µg)
- Prescribed standard: 60 μg/m3
- Recorded level: 976 μg/m3 at rk puram at 9:30 pm on Sunday
- Health effects: coughing, bronchistis
SULPHUR DIOXIDE
- Prescribed standard: 80 μg/m3
- Highest recorded level: 57.70 μg/m3 at Punjabi Bagh at 10 am on Monday.
- Health effects: corneal haze, breathing difficulty, eye irritation
Data source: DPCC Air Data
10,000 – 30,000 are killed by air pollution in Delhi each year.
23 months – reduction in average life expectancy due to pollution.
EXPOSURE METER
LESS THAN 30 MINUTES
- Dry eyes, sore throat
- Shortness of breath
A FEW HOURS
- Nausea, vomiting
- Lowered alertness, sleeplessness
5-10 YEARS
- Lowered immunity
- Depression, high BP
10 YEARS OR MORE
- Bladder, lung cancer
- Heart disease, stroke
Source: World Energy Outlook Report, 2016 WHO; CSE
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