Delhi's air quality slips to poor, particulate matter level shoots up

Delhi's air quality index took a hit on Friday as levels of particulate matter shot up.  air quality before festival of Dussehra was in "satisfactory" and "moderate" category. According to System of Air Quality and Wear Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), late monsoon is also a contributor to low air quality. 

Visibility decreased 

According to AQI, index between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". Major pollutants PM 2.5 stood at 185 in 'moderate' category and PM 10 at 201 in 'poor' category in New Delhi's Lodhi Ro area. Smog was also seen blanketing sky, reby resulting in decreased visibility. 

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Delhi's Air Quality pattern

Air quality index of Delhi is generally Moderate (101-200) level between January to September, and n it drastically deteriorates to Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-500) or Hazardous (500+) levels in three months between October to December, due to various factors including stubble burning, firecrackers burning during Diwali and cold wear. 

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Air pollution mayhem

 air quality in Delhi, capital of India, according to a WHO survey of 1600 world cities, is worst of any major city in world.  Air pollution in India is estimated to kill 1.5 million people every year; it is fifth-largest killer in India. India has world's highest death rate from chronic respiratory diseases and asthma, according to WHO. In 2018 also, Delhi's turned 'severe', worst category in six-level Air Quality Index (AQI) assessed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 2.2 million children in Delhi have irreversible lung dam due to poor quality of air. In dition, research shows that pollution can lower children's immune system and increase risks of cancer and or diseases.

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(With ANI inputs)