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Shark Tank Star Warns of Alarming Mumbai Air Pollution
17 Feb
Summary
- Mumbai's AQI has surpassed 160, entering the 'unhealthy' range.
- Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to poor air quality.
- Long-term exposure to PM2.5 linked to chronic illnesses and cancer risk.
Vineeta Singh, known from Shark Tank India, has voiced significant concern regarding the alarming deterioration of Mumbai's air quality, which has recently surpassed an AQI of 160. She expressed distress seeing children and the elderly exposed to these conditions daily. Singh suggested temporary construction pauses or stricter dust control measures, similar to those employed in China and Korea, to combat the pollution. She also cited studies linking air pollution to increased cancer risk among Indians.
Dr. Manas Mengar, a pulmonologist, confirmed that an AQI above 150 is considered unhealthy, especially for vulnerable populations, causing throat irritation and breathing difficulties. He emphasized that prolonged exposure elevates the risk of chronic respiratory illnesses, reduced lung function in children, and heart disease. Outdoor activities like workouts and school picnics become riskier as they increase breathing rates, intensifying pollutant intake deeper into the lungs.
Dr. Mengar advises daily AQI monitoring, limiting outdoor exposure during peak pollution times, using N95 masks, and ensuring indoor air purification. He stressed that while personal actions help, substantial change requires robust community and policy-driven efforts to protect current and future generations from the severe health consequences of air pollution, including COPD, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
