Air pollution: Delhi govt issues health advisory

Delhi government issued a health advisory on Sunday in view of severe air pollution in city and asked people to avoid outdoor activities as much as possible, especially during morning and late evening hours. In a statement, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said air pollution had reached severe level and asked people to follow dos and don'ts as mentioned in advisory.

advisory said air pollution might cause respiratory problems in healthy people on prolonged exposure and prounced respiratory or or serious illnesses for vulnerable population even on short exposure. " general public is, refore, advised to avoid outdoor physical activities, especially during morning and late evening hours," it stated.

vulnerable population was advised to strictly avoid outdoor activities, remain indoors and keep activity levels low. vulnerable population comprises elderly people, children d below five years, pregnant women and those with a poor nutritional status. Traffic police personnel, rickshaw-pullers and roadside vendors were advised to take extra precautions.

dos and don'ts asked people to remain indoors and reschedule ir outdoor activities, consult doctors in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain and irritation in eyes. Using N95 masks, avoiding heavy traffic and polluted areas, keeping doors and windows closed in morning and late evening was also advised by government. It also asked people to use public transport, avoid driving two-wheelers and or vehicles, and stop smoking.