Delhi smog: 53% Delhi college students facing respiratory issues

New Delhi : Over half of Delhi's college students were suffering from respiratory problems during smog week, a survey has found. 

The survey, conducted to assess the harms of high pollution levels in New Delhi between 6 and 11 November, found that around 53 per cent of students were facing respiratory health issues while 51 per cent had aggravated symptoms. 

According to an India Today report, around 42 per cent students also had lung function impairment and 11 percent were already on inhalers. A total of 1,044 students in the age group 18 to 24 years participated in the survey conducted by Fortis Healthcare.

“There was a need to involve the youth in such a study because it makes them aware of how pollution can deter their growth. It makes them more involved in the fight against air pollution,” The Asian Age quoted Dr Vikas Maurya, senior consultant and head of respiratory medicine and interventional pulmonology department at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, as saying.

The national capital has been experiencing dense smog for about a week, forcing authorities to enforce emergency measures such as banning construction activities and brick kilns in the National Capital Region.