| What is an Air Quality Index |
| How Does a Poor Air Quality Index Affect Health |
| How to Stay Safe from Delhi Pollution |
| Conclusion |
As the winter approached, the AQI Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, and NCR has not only risen to hazardous categories but has also broken all the previous records. With the intention to control local sources of air and dust pollution, the Government has decided to close educational institutions and ban construction activities, while encouraging work from home. As per Times of India, the Supreme Court of India took a serious view on increasing pollution levels. The SC has now told the centre to declare a two days’ lockdown to curb the levels of NCR and Delhi pollution.
What is an Air Quality Index?
An Air Quality Index indicates how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it can be if taken for granted for a long time. With worsening air pollution, the AQI will go higher. The increasing Air Quality Index Delhi is also indicative of the fact that a large percentage of the population is going to experience adverse effects of health in the capital, especially for people who are sensitive or at high risk (Asthmatics, eldery, people with respiratory or heart conditions) .
Have a look at the different AQI ranges:
- 0 and 50 : Good
- 51 and 100: Satisfactory/Moderate
- 101 and 150: Poor (Unhealthy for sensitive group)
- 201 and 300: Very Poor (Increased risk of ill-health)
- 300 + : Hazardous (Serious health effects may occur)
Current pollution level in Delhi is quite high, as the AQI has risen from 300 to more than 500. Since improving the air quality is everyone’s responsibility, taking preventive measures as individuals has become the need of the hour.
How Does a Poor Air Quality Index Affect Health?
People with breathing issues, diabetes, obesity, and other medical conditions suffer due to poor air quality the most. But that doesn’t mean a healthy person is immune from it. Even healthy people can experience adverse health impacts of the polluted air. Exercising in the air is assumed to be good for health but experts are asking everyone to avoid working out in such conditions. Doing so would lead to breathing issues and other respiratory problems.
By observing the Delhi pollution index, many health experts recommended reducing outdoor activities and avoiding the transports. More exposure to the polluted air would only worsen your health. And there’s no substantial solutions as of now. Here are some measures that should be taken if you want to stay safe.
How to Stay Safe from Delhi Air Pollution
Until Delhi air quality doesn’t improve, you can take some simple precautionary steps:
1. Work from Home
COVID-19 pandemic has opened a new way to work with less expenditure for infrastructure, which is work from home. Many companies have turned to unicorns within two years while keeping up with the new work culture. Government and health experts are on a common page, encouraging work from home culture to avoid the health issues due to air pollution.
2. Limit Outdoor Activities
Children are vulnerable to respiratory issues. Also, they prefer playing outdoors. Educate your children about the current conditions and encourage them to play or exercise in the home. However, staying indoors for long can make anyone restless, make sure you indulge in and encourage others to join you in stress-busting activities at home. Yoga, stretching exercises, solving puzzles, and communicating with each other are great ways to stay engaged.
3. Wear a Mask
It is not a very effective method to avoid the risk of pollution. But even small things with small impacts can be proved a big weapon in this fight against Delhi air pollution. So, whenever you step outside your home, make sure you put on your mask. If possible, cover the face completely, as the direct exposure to dust, sun rays, and pollutants can have ill effects on skin and hair.
4. Have a Balanced Diet
It definitely can’t reduce air pollution but can prepare you to counteract the possible ailments. With quality nutrients, a balanced diet can fight against free radicals produced by pollution. Until AQI Delhi improves, incorporating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods in the diet can be the best measure for your safety. These foods include sea foods, citrus fruits, olives, leafy greens, sprouts, avocados, seeds, and herbal juices.
Conclusion
AQI Delhi levels are growing from a poor to hazardous category that is leading to respiratory issues and other discomforts. People with or without medical conditions are equally struggling to avoid the harmful effects. All the aforementioned measures can rescue you from the ill effects of air pollution.
