Air quality reaches critical pollution level in Delhi

Ahead of Diwali, air quality has reached critical pollution level in Delhi. The city's severe poor quality air yesterday had respirable pollutants up to nine times above the safe limit at certain places. Authorities have warned of a critically polluted period during Diwali.

Anand Vihar had PM 1O (suspended particulate matter) at over 962 micrograms per cubic metre at 2 PM, as against the safe limit of 100, days ahead of Diwali, which is expected to worsen the situation.The figure was recorded by Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) real-time air quality monitor.

Its AQI



(air quality index) remained severe through the day, hitting 500 (maximum limit) at many points. Even PM 2.5, finer and deadlier pollutants, was several times above the prescribed limit. Even residential areas such as Mandir Marg and R K Puram had AQI in the severe category as per the monitoring stations of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The possible health impacts of severe AQI says that it affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases. These respirable pollutants not only harm the respiratory system but also enter the bloodstream.