Air pollution has been shockingly bad in the days after Diwali, and as the cold winter air settles in northern India, it’s likely to stay bad.
One of the worst pollutants is PM 2.5, small particles that get into the deepest parts of our lungs. They are linked to cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases. Any time PM 2.5 is above 50 parts per million, it’s bad for human health. (Hint: Most days in Delhi have air quality that’s bad).
There are many ways to keep track of air quality around you: You can download apps, get alerts and follow Twitter feeds. Or, you can just check in with us. Here’s a real time feed of air quality in the country. Zoom in to check the air quality index (AQI) in your city and your neighbourhood.
- 0-50 means minimal health impact
- 51-100 means minor discomfort, if you’re sensitive
- 101-200 means discomfort for anyone with pre-existing diseases like asthma
- 201-300 means discomfort for most people if they’re surrounded by bad air for too long
- 301-400 would result in respiratory illness after long exposure
- 401 and up is really bad for everyone involved
See The Quint’s reportage of the current air quality crisis here:
- Delhi Smog: Satyendar Jain Visits Polluting Bhalswa Landfill Site
- Infiltrate and Intimidate: Big Polluters in the Climate Talks
- Your 8-Point Guide to Surviving Delhi’s Deadly Pollution Crisis
- Doctor’s Orders: Here’s How To Avoid The Effects Of Air Pollution
- Can’t Breathe? Try An Air Pollution Mask – It May Help
- Gasping Yet? Skip Your Morning Jogs If You Want to Keep Breathing
- ‘Third of 2 Bn Children Breathing Toxic Air Worldwide are Indians’
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