With air quality still at ‘very poor’ on Thursday, the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded the Capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 368 and maintained that the coming three days will see little improvement.
It stated about 12% of pollution by PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) on Thursday was caused due to stubble burning.
Central Pollution Control Board data revealed that PM2.5 was recorded at 342.6 in Anand Vihar — one of the most polluted places in Delhi, and PM10 was recorded at 581.16. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres).
On Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality had slipped to severe category, prompting authorities to issue a slew of measures, including ban on construction activities along with halting operations of industries using coal and biomass as fuel between November 1 and 10.
The slight improvement in air quality on Wednesday happened after wind speed picked up and dispersed pollutants even though the stubble fire count increased. The overall AQI of Delhi was recorded at 366 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday.
City doctors maintained that poor air quality poses a great threat to the children and elderly. “We are seeing a flare up of respiratory diseases. One can take precautionary measures like getting vaccinated every year for flu, wear N95 or N99 masks, avoid hookah bars and smoking areas,” said Prashant Saxena, Head of Department, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, and Associate Director, Critical Care Medicine, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.
Sameer Kaushal, senior consultant opthalmologist, Tattvan e-clinics, noted that as the city is recording a dip in the air quality, it is advised for contact lens users to remove the lenses immediately and rinse and wash it thoroughly .
“ It is also advised to add some artificial tears to eyes as pollution can make the lenses dry. Using eye drops can keep them hydrated. If one is frequently experiencing dryness while wearing contact lenses during this season, try putting a few drops of moisturising artificial tears in about 15 minutes before you put in your contacts. If the problem still persists, it is advised to immediately consult an eye specialist,” he added.
