Delhi Chokes: Air Quality is Hazardous, Stay Indoors Say Doctors

Delhi Chokes: Air Quality is Hazardous, Stay Indoors Say Doctors

Air quality in Delhi NCR continues to be ‘hazardous’ two days after Diwali. With cold settling in and changing weather patterns, it is likely to continue to plummet.

AQI in Delhi ranged from 437 in Anand Vihar to 228 in RK Puram at 7 am on the 29th.

A day after Diwali, Delhi NCR had witnessed the seasons worst air, with many parts showing a PM 2.5 level of 999.

The pollutants in the air are considered dangerous. Doctors advice we stay indoors, suspend exercise outdoors, wear masks when stepping out.

The rest of the country also struggled to breathe – with numbers ranging from moderate to severe. Kolkata recorded PM 2.5 levels of 176, Chennai - 93, Mumbai -167, Hyderabad - 137.

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 [e-mail])