#AirPollution: Delhi chokes as air quality continues to deteriorate
What's the story
Delhi recorded its worst air quality of this season Sunday as a thick haze engulfed the national capital which continued to grapple with deteriorating air quality.
The overall Air Quality Index of the national capital was recorded at 381 which falls in the very poor category, the highest of this season, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Here's more.
Data
How is the air quality measured?
An AQI 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".
Details
Air quality was recorded by 12 pollution monitoring stations
Twelve pollution monitoring stations located in various parts of Delhi recorded severe air quality while 20 stations recorded very poor air quality, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Authorities attribute the dip in air quality to localized factors like construction dust, vehicular pollution as well as regional factors like pollution due to stubble burning from Punjab and Haryana.
Recommendations
Recommendations by CPCB-led task force to improve air quality
A CPCB-led task force recommended to the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority implementation of stringent measures from November 1 to 10, predicting further deterioration in air quality ahead of Diwali.
Some of these recommendations include shut down of coal and biomass factories, intensification of inspection by the transport department to check polluting vehicles and traffic congestion in Delhi NCR during November 1-10.
Information
Please follow what Task Force is advising you
The CPCB-led task force also issued an advisory to the public, asking them to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimize the use of private vehicles.
PM2.5, PM10 levels
PM2.5 recorded at 225, the highest of this season: CPCB
The PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers) was recorded at 225, the highest of this season. The PM2.5 can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10.
The PM10 level (presence of particles in the air with a diameter less than 10 micrometers) in Delhi stood at 418, according to the CPCB data.
Information
Advice: Go for shorter walks instead of jogs
SAFAR also issued a health advisory, urging people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. It also recommended people to go for shorter walks instead of jogs, keeping windows closed, and wearing masks while stepping outside.