According to officials, Delhi, the capital of India, saw significant air pollution on Thursday.
The total air quality index (AQI) stayed at 442, which is in the severe category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to the CPCB, PM 2.5 and PM 10 were the most noticeable pollutants in the poor air quality.
The data was obtained from monitoring stations that have been installed all throughout Delhi.
PM 2.5, according to experts, are tiny particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less that can penetrate the respiratory system deeply, make their way to the lungs, and then enter the bloodstream.
Health experts in Delhi have encouraged residents to limit outside exposure while the air quality is still poor, especially for those with respiratory illnesses.
Doctors said severe air quality affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing pulmonary diseases.
As per the CPCB, AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, and 201 and 300 poor. If the figure exceeds 500, it is considered “severe plus emergency.”
Air pollution continues to worsen in Delhi and aggravates during wintery months.
The deterioration in air quality is attributed to slow wind speed and stubble burning (farm fires) in the neighbouring states.
Indian capital city Delhi is among the topmost polluted cities in the world, with industrial activities and vehicular traffic being significant contributors to air pollution in the city, along with rampant construction.
Reports said several residents had reported breathing difficulties, with the elderly and schoolchildren being the worst hit.
A leading private school has suspended physical classes for students at its branches in Delhi and Haryana because of the deteriorating air quality.
It would be conducting online classes from Friday, a local television news channel NDTV said in its report.
“This came a day after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights urged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to shut schools till air quality improves,’’ NDTV said.
(Xinhua/NAN)