The air quality in Delhi has been falling since the onset of winter. The air quality in the past week has been in the category of ‘very poor’ in some areas crossing the 300 mark.
The air quality in the national capital was recorded as in the ‘very poor’ category a day after Diwali celebrations in the morning.
Some places in the region saw a spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI). A blanket of smog engulfed the region in the morning. The air quality index in Delhi was recorded at 362 at 9 am in the morning of November 1
The AQI bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board at 4 pm gives the information on the average of past 24 hours for cities. The average air quality index as per the bulletin on Thursday in Delhi recorded at 328 which was an increase in the average air quality recorded on Wednesday which was 307.
The prominent pollutants stated in the report were PM 2.5 and PM 10.
The air quality is likely to worsen in the region. Most areas of the national capital remained in the ‘very poor’ category and some inching closer to the severe category.
Measures to combat pollution were put in place. Restrictions were imposed in the region and the GRAP stage 2 to check pollution has already been implemented.
The high level of pollution affects the health of an individual causing illness.
The rise in air pollution to such levels during winter season in Delhi has been an issue for several past years. The pollution of river Yamuna in Delhi is also a matter of concern, thick layers of foam floating over the river that poses health risks.
About The Air Quality Index (AQI) classification
The Air Quality Index is classified in different categories. The range 0-50 is considered ‘good’. The AQI 51- 100 is ‘satisfactory’, and the 101-200 comes in the ‘moderate’ category. The AQI of 201-300 is the category of ‘poor’ and from 301-400 is classified as ‘very poor’. 401-500 is categorised as ‘severe’.
The degrading air quality causes health issues and sometimes serious possible impacts on health. The AQI of 0-50 causes minimal impact. The AQI of 51-100 possible health impacts can be minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people. Further the possible health impact for AQI 101-200 can cause breathing discomfort to the people with lungs, asthma and heart diseases.
An AQI in the range of 201-300 can cause discomfort in breathing to people on prolonged exposure.
The category 301-400 which is categorised as ’very poor’ possible health impact can be respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. The level 401-500 considered severe can affect healthy people and can have a serious impact on people having existing diseases.
