NO2 levels in city's air three times higher than safe limits
Gurgaon: Concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) -- a pollutant emitted by burning fuel in vehicles, power plants and industries – exceeded the maximum safe limit by three times in the past two days.
Data from the Gwal Pahari air quality monitoring station showed that average NO2 for eight hours was 133µg/m³ on Thursday and 123µg/m³ on Friday. In India, the safe limit for exposure to NO2 is 40µg/m³. The maximum concentration considered safe by the World Health Organization is even lower, at 25 µg/m³.
Experts said emissions from vehicles, especially in congested areas, is likely to be the key reason for NO2 pollution.
They said NO2 does not get as much regulatory attention as other pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), though it is associated with exacerbating respiratory ailments.
Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said on Friday, "Elevated NO₂ levels in the city are predominantly due to vehicular emissions. Old vehicles and traffic congestion are key sources of NO2 here."
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
Asked about action taken to reduce NO2 emissions, an official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said the agency has allowed a private firm to scrap old vehicles. "This aims to remove polluting vehicles from city roads," the official said.
A senior HSPCB official said NO2 levels are likely to have spiked after brief relief due to pre-monsoon showers.
"The recent rains had kept nitrogen dioxide levels in check by dispersing pollutants.
But with clear skies and calmer weather now, NO2 from vehicular and industrial emissions is building up, especially in traffic-dense areas. Unlike particulate matter, NO2 often flies under the radar, but prolonged exposure can be equally hazardous," the official said. Currently, just one of the four air quality monitoring stations is functioning in the city.
Dr Bandana Mishra, who heads the pulmonology and respiratory medicine department at Manipal Hospital in Gurgaon said everyone is at risk from high NO2 exposure, but children and the elderly suffer the most.
"Nitrogen dioxide exposure can lead to increased inflammation of the airways, which results in persistent cough wheezing, reduced lung function and a higher frequency of asthma attacks," Dr Mishra said.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Eid wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Eye stroke alert: Ozempic linked to rare vision-loss condition
If you're on Ozempic or Wegovy to manage type 2 diabetes—or to shed some pounds—there's something new you should have on your radar. Doctors are now flagging a rare but serious eye condition that might be tied to these meds. And yes, it could mess with your vision in a big way. The condition is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION for short. But you'll often hear it described more simply as an 'eye stroke.' It happens when the blood supply to your optic nerve suddenly drops, damaging the nerve and causing vision loss—usually in just one eye, and often without warning. Now here's the thing: the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has officially listed NAION as a very rare side effect of semaglutide—the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. According to their findings, it affects roughly 1 in 10,000 people. Not exactly common, but not zero either. And some researchers believe people with existing health conditions like type 2 diabetes might face a slightly higher risk. So why does this happen? The exact reason isn't fully nailed down yet, but it's believed that rapid changes in blood sugar (which these medications are known to cause) may play a role. Basically, your optic nerve needs consistent blood flow, and when that gets thrown off—bam, you could end up with NAION. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sanitize & Smooth Clothes Fast with Philips Steamer Philips Garment Steamers Shop Now Undo Here's what to watch out for: Sudden loss of vision in one eye Blurry or dim vision A dark patch or 'hole' in your central vision If any of that sounds familiar—or happens out of nowhere—don't wait it out. Get medical help immediately. Catching it early could make a difference in protecting your sight. So, should you freak out? Not necessarily. The odds are still pretty low, and Ozempic/Wegovy are helping a lot of people manage serious health issues. But if you're already at risk—especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea—it's worth talking to your doctor. Ask about the pros and cons. Don't panic, just be informed. Your eyes are too important to take chances with. If something feels off, trust your gut and get it checked. It's your vision—we're talking about seeing the world clearly, literally. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Improving skin health: Essential practice for a natural glow
Facial steaming with herbal infusions as a simple yet effective method for enhancing skin health. This practice opens pores, boosts circulation, and hydrates the skin, leading to a natural glow. However, individuals with sensitive skin, rosacea, severe acne, open wounds, or respiratory issues should avoid this practice to prevent irritation or discomfort. Healthy, glowing skin is often a reflection of overall well-being. While there are countless cosmetic skincare products on the market, true radiance begins with adopting simple, consistent practices that support the skin's natural functions. In this article, we'll explore a powerful but very simple natural method to enhance skin health from within. Suggested Practice: Facial Steaming with Herbal Infusion Facial steaming is an age-old skincare ritual that opens up pores, boosts circulation, and allows the skin to breathe. When combined with herbal infusions such as chamomile, rosemary, or green tea, neem leaves, it becomes a deeply rejuvenating therapy for a natural glow. Steps 1. Cleanse Your Face: Begin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil on the skin area 2. Boil Water: Heat about 3-4 cups of water until it reaches a boiling point . Ayurvedic natural ways to achieve glowing, clear and acne free skin 3. Add Herbs: Pour the hot water into a bowl and add a handful of herbs like chamomile (calming), rosemary (purifying), or green tea (antioxidant-rich) or neem leaves . 4. Steam Your Face: Place a towel over your head to create a tent and lean over the bowl at a safe distance ( make sure that it shouldn't burn your skin ) . Steam your face for 5-10 minutes with comfort . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo 5. Pat Dry and Moisturize: Gently pat your face dry and apply a light moisturizer to prevent the dryness. Benefits - Deep Cleansing: Helps unlock pores and remove impurities. - Improved Circulation: Increases blood flow to the face, promoting a healthy, natural glow. - Hydration: Steaming adds moisture to the skin, making it appear plumper ,smooth and softer. - Enhanced Product Absorption: Prepares the skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers. - Relaxation: The warm steam and soothing scent of herbs also reduces stress. Who Should Avoid This Practice - People Who is having Sensitive Skin or Rosacea; Steam can aggravate redness and irritation over this area . - Individuals with Severe Acne or Open Wounds; The heat may worsen inflammation with pus formation. - Anyone with respiratory issues ;steam may trigger the discomfort. Inputs by Dr Narendra K Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer, Kshemavana Naturopathy and Wellness Center One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Happy Heart Syndrome: When extreme joy breaks your heart
We all know the phrase 'died of a broken heart' — it's that poetic-sounding (but very real) heart condition triggered by deep sadness or grief. But here's something wild: did you know your heart can also get too happy and totally freak out? Yes. Turns out, your heart doesn't always know the difference between good shock and bad shock. Welcome to the bizarre, fascinating world of Happy Heart Syndrome — a legit medical condition where overwhelming joy can literally break your heart. No joke. Wait, you can have a heart attack from happiness? Basically, yes. Happy Heart Syndrome is the lesser-known cousin of what doctors call Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, or 'broken heart syndrome.' You might've heard about that — where intense emotional pain (like losing someone you love) temporarily stuns your heart and mimics a heart attack. Your heart even changes shape, ballooning out weirdly on scans — kind of like a Japanese octopus trap (that's actually where 'Takotsubo' gets its name). But here's the plot twist: the same thing can happen when you're too happy, excited, or surprised. Think surprise birthday parties, winning a lottery, seeing someone after decades, or even scoring your dream job. It's your body's version of 'Wait, what just happened?!' A unique case A unique case of happy heart syndrome was published in JACC journal where an individual developed conditions after a birthday celebration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Type 2? Nutritionists recommend this tea daily High glucose try this Learn More Undo "A 48-year-old female with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, history of stage III gastric cancer with no history of cardiac diseases presented with acute chest pain, headache, and nausea. Cardiac assessments showed elevated troponin-hs-TnT (786, trending to 853), BNP of 977, and EKG findings resembling a lateral wall STEMI. Coronary angiography revealed mild non-obstructive two-vessel disease. Subsequent left ventriculography indicated mid-anterior and mid-inferior wall akinesia with an EF of 35%, consistent with TTS. Guidelinedirected therapy led to rapid recovery and two days later, follow-up EF via transthoracic Echo was 60%," the report says. "Our report highlights a rare cause of cardiomyopathy after a birthday celebration, emphasizing HHS. While TTS is traditionally linked to negative stressors, positive events can also trigger it, leading to HHS." What's going on inside? So here's what's happening: your body gets flooded with adrenaline, the famous 'fight or flight' hormone. It doesn't care if the trigger is a bear charging at you or your friends throwing you a surprise wedding proposal. Adrenaline kicks in anyway. And when there's too much of it, your heart gets overwhelmed, and the muscle (especially in the left ventricle) stops working properly for a while. The result? Chest pain. Breathlessness. Panic. It feels just like a heart attack. And unless doctors do tests to spot the telltale 'takotsubo' heart shape, they might even treat it like one. Good news: it's usually reversible. But that doesn't make it any less terrifying in the moment. How common is this? Not super common, but also not unheard of. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in general makes up about 1–2% of cases that look like heart attacks. Of those, only a small number are triggered by 'happy' events — but the number is likely underreported, since most people (and even some doctors) don't realize joy can be a trigger. So who's most likely to get it? Happy heart syndrome is a rare type of TTS characterized by a higher prevalence of male patients and atypical, nonapical ballooning compared with patients with negative emotional stressors, says a study published in July 2022 in the journal JACC: Heart Failure. If you've got a history of anxiety, depression, or even just a really sensitive emotional response system, your heart might be more reactive. Your brain-to-heart connection is just extra intense. And if you've already got a weak heart or underlying cardiovascular issues, a sudden emotional jolt — even a good one — could trigger a response. Can you prevent a happy heart meltdown? Look, you don't want to not be happy. Life's meant to be celebrated! But if you know you're someone who gets overwhelmed easily, or if your heart's been through the wringer already, just be mindful. Here's what you can do: Stress-proof your system. Deep breathing, meditation, or even regular walks can help keep your adrenaline responses in check. Know your heart health. Get regular checkups, especially if you're a woman over 50 or have mental health issues like anxiety. Don't ignore symptoms. Even if you just got the best news of your life, if your chest tightens or you can't catch your breath, go to the ER. Let the pros sort it out. Why your heart reacts to both joy and grief It's kind of poetic, right? The same organ that symbolizes love and feeling can get too emotional. From an evolutionary standpoint, your body is wired to respond to extremes — it's a survival thing. But in today's world, that adrenaline rush comes from a text message or a phone call, not a charging tiger. And our poor hearts? Still acting like we're fighting for our lives. When that emotional surge becomes too strong, your heart muscles panic, twist, and balloon out. It's like your heart short-circuits from feeling too much. So... should you be worried? Not really. Unless you have pre-existing risk factors, the odds of Happy Heart Syndrome hitting you are low. But knowing it exists is important — especially if you or someone you love experiences strange symptoms after a major high. More importantly, this whole thing is a reminder that emotional health is physical health. You can't separate your mind from your body. They're tangled up in every heartbeat. Just keep listening to your body. And remember — whether it's grief or giddy excitement — emotions are powerful. They move us. They change us. And sometimes, they knock the wind right out of our hearts. So next time something amazing happens, smile wide, breathe deeply, and maybe sit down before you scream with joy. Your heart will thank you. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
