We all know that air pollution is getting worse all over the world but in India it seems to be an annual thing where it gets worse in the winter months.
The extreme level of air pollution in Delhi, India that can be clearly seen through its thick smog has been present since the festival of Diwali last November 4.
The Atmospheric levels of PM2.5 which are fine particles that can be inhaled and clog people’s lungs are currently so high its way above World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety guidelines.
They recorded a consistent above 300 micrograms per cubic metre and other parts of the city are close to or higher than 400 micrograms and it is now considered a “severe” case.
WHO air quality index (AQI):
- 0-50 Good
- 51-100 Satisfactory
Imagine a human hair is already at 50-70 μm diameter, how much smaller are these particles with just 2.5 μm diameter or less floating in the air.
Various factors viewed as cause to the Air Pollution
- Seasonal Burning of farm stubble which are residue from rice and other crops to make way for growing wheat even though the practice was already banned.
- Factory emissions throughout different neighboring states
- Traffic fumes caused by vehicle traffic that increases during Diwali as people are going out and buying gifts or visiting family and friends
- General weather during winter with low wind speed, pollutants are trapped in the lower atmosphere.
- Fireworks during the Diwali festival. Though not all fireworks produce a lot of PM2.5 particles, it still has hazardous and toxic substances.
Schools and colleges have been closed indefinitely and their government employees are ordered to work from home until 21 November due to the worsening smog.
