Diwali’s only a day away, and just like every year, the air quality is down to its worse in the national capital. While Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are breathing better, the air in New Delhi and Lucknow is unsafe. With the Delhi government’s plan of organizing a ‘pollution-free Diwali’ with a four-day laser show event, the city can only hope that the air doesn’t degrade to its usual levels.
Here’s what the numbers mean. The World Health Organisation identifies pollution levels are ranging from:
- 0 - 50: Good. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- 51-100: Satisfactory. Air quality is acceptable; may be a moderate health concern for sensitive people.
- 101-200: Moderate. Sensitive groups (with lung, heart diseases) may experience health issues.
- 201-300: Poor. Everyone may begin to experience health issues like respiratory problems.
- 301-400: Very Poor. Health warnings of emergency conditions. Entire population is likely to be affected.
- 401-500: Severe. Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health issues.
If you wish to check the air quality index of your city, click on this link: https://www.thequint.com/quintlab/widgets/air-quality-index/
(FIT is launching its #PollutionKaSolution campaign. Join us by becoming an anti-air pollution warrior. Send in your questions, your stories of how to tackle air pollution and your ideas to FIT@thequint.com)
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