New Delhi: Delhiites’ worst weather is back and it’s time to take off your anti-pollution masks again as the national capital woke up to a blanket of thick smog as the air quality remained in the “poor” category just a day before Diwali.Also Read – Delhi’s air quality deteriorates, Kejriwal govt launches campaign for pollution-free Diwali | Key point
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 247 at 8 am. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.
The city recorded a minimum temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius, two degrees below the season’s average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The weather department has predicted clear skies during the day. The maximum temperature is likely to settle at 31 degrees Celsius, the IMD said. At 8.30 am, the relative humidity was recorded at 77 percent.
How to keep yourself fit amid Delhi’s deteriorating air quality
As Delhi’s air quality drops to dangerously low levels this season, residents are grappling with a myriad of increasingly debilitating health issues. Breathing in this toxic air causes everyone to cough, irritate the throat and even spread viral infections. So, here’s how you can keep yourself and your family healthy amid these deteriorating air quality conditions:
- Always carry and use an ideal pollution mask with a carbon filter, exhaust valve and a filter higher than N95.
- Consider purchasing an air purifier for your home that can filter the air and reduce the number of pollutants you breathe.
- Avoid going out for walks or physical exercise in the early morning or late evening – and if you do, don’t forget to wear your pollution mask.
- Ventilate your home well, and open your windows and doors between 3pm and 5pm to let the air circulate. On a bright sunny day, this is the period when the concentration of PM 2.5 in the air is lowest.
- Consume foods rich in vitamin C, magnesium rich fruits and omega fatty acids.
- Finally, don’t delay in consulting your doctor if you have trouble breathing, eye irritation, headaches, and fatigue.
