Delhi's Air Quality to Improve on Christmas

In Delhi, the pollution levels shot up and mounted to the severe category. The Ministry of Earth Sciences advises people to avoid outdoor physical activities.

In Delhi, the pollution levels shot up and mounted to severe category; this prompts the Ministry of Earth Sciences to advise people to avoid outdoor physical activities and wear N-95 or P-100 respirators. At noon, Delhi's air quality index stood at 436 micrograms per cubic meter in a severe category.

Jahangirpuri, Patparganj, and Anand Vihar areas of Delhi have the most noxious air, inching towards emergency levels.

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According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 29 out of 36 pollution monitoring stations in Delhi showed severe air quality index reading.

The air quality index is forecasted to remain in the severe category by December 24 and "marginally improve to the higher end of very poor on December 25" due to slightly better ventilation conditions.

A stringent warning, asking everyone to avoid physical activity outdoors and consult a doctor if they experience unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue has been issued by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), which comes under the aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences.

"If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, close it. Avoid burning anything, such as wood, candles or even incense. Do not vacuum. Do wet mopping frequently. Masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators may only help if you go out. Do not rely on dust masks for protection," the ministry further advised.

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Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, and Greater Noida reported 'severe' air quality, leaving aside Gurugram, which had slightly better AQI at 333 micrograms cubic meter. Ghaziabad and Greater Noida have the most polluted amongst all at 482 micrograms per cubic meter.

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People experience a wide range of health effects from being exposed to air pollution. Effects can be broken down into short-term and long-term effects.

Short term effects include illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Long-term health effects include heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema.

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Source-Medindia