Delhi Pollution: The air quality crisis continues in Delhi, with AQI recorded above 400 in several areas.

The suffocating air in Delhi-NCR has been further aggravated by fog and cold weather. Dense fog and mist were visible on Tuesday morning, along with a thick blanket of smog. This resulted in extremely low visibility in many areas. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital was recorded at 381 on Tuesday morning.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 7 AM, the AQI in Alipur, Delhi, was 377, Anand Vihar 406, Ashok Vihar 410, Aya Nagar 339, Bawana 403, Burari 376, and Chandni Chowk 438.

The AQI was also recorded at 425 in DTU, 391 in Dwarka Sector 8, 323 at IGI Airport T3, 402 in ITO, 426 in Jahangirpuri, 341 on Lodhi Road, 426 in Mundka, 348 in Najafgarh, 405 in Punjabi Bagh, 356 in Rohini, 411 in Vivek Vihar, 393 in Sonia Vihar, 397 in RK Puram, and 426 in Wazirpur.

The situation in the capital yesterday:

On Monday, the air quality was recorded in the severe category for the third consecutive day. The day began with mist and fog, and a thick blanket of smog was visible throughout the day. This resulted in extremely low visibility in many areas. People were seen using N95 masks to protect themselves from the toxic gases. This caused eye irritation and breathing difficulties for those with respiratory problems. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 427, which falls in the severe category. This was a decrease of 34 points compared to Sunday.

On the other hand, Greater Noida in the NCR had the most polluted air. The Air Quality Index (AQI) here was recorded at 447, which falls under the severe category. Meanwhile, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 444, Noida 437, and Gurugram 345. Faridabad had the cleanest air, with an index of 211, which is still in the poor category.

Delhi received more rainfall than usual this year.

Delhi residents have been breathing polluted air since October 14th. May, June, July, August, and September saw more rainfall than average in Delhi this year. This resulted in significantly cleaner air, but pollution levels began to rise after the monsoon season ended. The average level of PM10 in the air of Delhi-NCR reached 449.2 and PM2.5 reached 297.9 micrograms per cubic meter at 5 PM on Sunday. This means that the air in Delhi-NCR contains approximately four and a half times more pollution than the prescribed standards.

How Air Pollution Affects You

Prolonged inhalation of pollutants in the air causes cellular inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity, affecting the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs. These are microscopic particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream. Particles smaller than 2.5 and 10 microns are the main pollutants in Delhi's air.

Impact on Mental Health

Studies have shown that air pollution increases the risk of depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.

Avoid these activities now.

Outdoor exercise (exercising in parks, outdoor yoga, jogging on the road) can be more harmful at high pollution levels. Dust and harmful gases are most concentrated near roads.