Delhi air pollution is a ‘’state of medical emergency’’

New Delhi, Nov 8 (UNI) The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Wdenesday described the prevailing air pollution in Delhi as a ‘’state of medical emergency.’’

AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria told reporters here that the institution witnesses an approximate increase of 20 percent in the number of patients in the OPD, ICU and Emergency patients during such times.

People who are already suffering for breathing and heart problems are the worst affected ones, while children also can develop long term issues pertaining to the growth and functioning of lungs.

''The increased amount of sulphur and nitrogen oxides in the air during these times causes the breathing channel to swell, while prolonged exposure to such air further worsens the situation as the inflamation spills to blood and inflamatory marks spread through blood vessels making them narrow''.

He termed the air pollution as a ''silent killer''.