For the third consecutive day, the air quality in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cold-wave-northern-states-shiver-under-tough-conditions-187640">the national capital </a>was in the severe category on Tuesday.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the national capital on New Year's Day was 404, while the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) recorded an AQI of 405, both of which are under the 'severe' category.&nbsp;

Nineteen areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' pollution, while 14 witnessed 'very poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed.

Ghaziabad and Noida recorded 'severe' air quality, while in Faridabad and Gurgaon recorded it was in the 'very poor' category.

The overall PM2.5 level (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers) was recorded at 280 and the PM10 level at 465 in Delhi, the CPCB said.

The SAFAR has said the air quality would improve slightly "provided that no additional local emissions are added on New Year eve".

"Any new trigger in terms of additional local emission, particularly from open fire, pyrotechnic display and fossil fuel burning may make air heavier and thick with low ventilation, and may lead to rapid deterioration in air quality to severe-plus range," the SAFAR said.

But despite warnings, several instances of firecracker bursting, before and after the time limit fixed by the apex court, were observed in Delhi-NCR during New Year celebrations.

The SAFAR said the air quality in Delhi is likely to remain in the 'severe' zone for the next two days as weather conditions are more adverse now.

"The deterioration in speed of moisture-laden wind from west may become fatal at this stage and any new trigger, in terms of local emission, particularly from open fires, firecrackers and (burning of) fossil fuels will fast deteriorate the air quality and keep it in the 'severe' category," it said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and SAFAR said the air quality is likely to remain in the 'severe' category owing to low wind speed, which is highly unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants.

The authorities warned that moderate fog and emissions during night hours may result in deterioration of the air quality and this situation may prevail till Wednesday.

The SAFAR also pointed out that a consistent day-night trend is being observed for the past week.

"During night, a combination of calm wind and colder condition is elevating the pollution level. In many locations, 24-hour rolling average (AQI) is touching 'severe' levels for a few hours, whereas during the day wind is picking up speed slightly and temperature is increasing to keep the level in the 'very poor' range," it said.&nbsp;

Ghaziabad and Noida recorded 'severe' air quality, while in Faridabad and Gurgaon recorded it was in the 'very poor' category.

For the third consecutive day, the air quality in the national capital was in the severe category on Tuesday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the national capital on New Year's Day was 404, while the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) recorded an AQI of 405, both of which are under the 'severe' category. Nineteen areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' pollution, while 14 witnessed 'very poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed. Ghaziabad and Noida recorded 'severe' air quality, while in Faridabad and Gurgaon recorded it was in the 'very poor' category. The overall PM2.5 level (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers) was recorded at 280 and the PM10 level at 465 in Delhi, the CPCB said. The SAFAR has said the air quality would improve slightly "provided that no additional local emissions are added on New Year eve". "Any new trigger in terms of additional local emission, particularly from open fire, pyrotechnic display and fossil fuel burning may make air heavier and thick with low ventilation, and may lead to rapid deterioration in air quality to severe-plus range," the SAFAR said. But despite warnings, several instances of firecracker bursting, before and after the time limit fixed by the apex court, were observed in Delhi-NCR during New Year celebrations. The SAFAR said the air quality in Delhi is likely to remain in the 'severe' zone for the next two days as weather conditions are more adverse now. "The deterioration in speed of moisture-laden wind from west may become fatal at this stage and any new trigger, in terms of local emission, particularly from open fires, firecrackers and (burning of) fossil fuels will fast deteriorate the air quality and keep it in the 'severe' category," it said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and SAFAR said the air quality is likely to remain in the 'severe' category owing to low wind speed, which is highly unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants. The authorities warned that moderate fog and emissions during night hours may result in deterioration of the air quality and this situation may prevail till Wednesday. The SAFAR also pointed out that a consistent day-night trend is being observed for the past week. "During night, a combination of calm wind and colder condition is elevating the pollution level. In many locations, 24-hour rolling average (AQI) is touching 'severe' levels for a few hours, whereas during the day wind is picking up speed slightly and temperature is increasing to keep the level in the 'very poor' range," it said.

Delhi's air quality in 'severe' category for third consecutive day

Delhi's air quality significantly deteriorated Sunday with a fall in temperature which slowed dispersion of pollutants, as authorities warned pollution level might further increase in the next two days.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 377, the highest pollution level in nearly 20 days.

In NCR, Ghaziabad, Noida and Faridabad recorded 'severe' air quality, CPCB data showed.

An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 is 'severe'.

The air quality in seven areas -- Anand Vihar, Mundka, R K Puram, Rohini, Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri and Nehru Nagar recorded 'severe air quality while 20 areas recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to the CPCB.

The overall PM2.5 -- fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres -- level was recorded at 221 and the PM10 level at 389, it said.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality of Delhi will further deteriorate over the next two days.

"Winds are calm and dispersion is low. Western disturbances influence may impact Delhi's air quality by introducing the moisture and making air heavy. The expected fall in temperature and moderate fog is likely to increase pollution overcoming two days is expected to the upper level of very poor," the SAFAR said.

The SAFAR said that the air quality might improve on Wednesday if a sufficient amount of rainfall occurs, which is expected.

"However, marginal shower often deteriorates air quality because high moisture content overshadows the washout effect. In all probability, the AQI will remain within the limit of very poor and will not touch severe," it said.

"Levels of gaseous pollutants, NOx and CO are forecast to be enhanced -- up to moderate range -- after a long time due to a fall in boundary layer height and reduced vertical mixing," the SAFAR said.

Delhi's air quality significantly deteriorated Sunday with a fall in temperature which slowed dispersion of pollutants, as authorities warned pollution level might further increase in the next two days.

Delhi's air quality significantly deteriorated Sunday with a fall in temperature which slowed dispersion of pollutants, as authorities warned pollution level might further increase in the next two days. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 377, the highest pollution level in nearly 20 days. In NCR, Ghaziabad, Noida and Faridabad recorded 'severe' air quality, CPCB data showed. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 is 'severe'. The air quality in seven areas -- Anand Vihar, Mundka, R K Puram, Rohini, Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri and Nehru Nagar recorded 'severe air quality while 20 areas recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to the CPCB. The overall PM2.5 -- fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres -- level was recorded at 221 and the PM10 level at 389, it said. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality of Delhi will further deteriorate over the next two days. "Winds are calm and dispersion is low. Western disturbances influence may impact Delhi's air quality by introducing the moisture and making air heavy. The expected fall in temperature and moderate fog is likely to increase pollution overcoming two days is expected to the upper level of very poor," the SAFAR said. The SAFAR said that the air quality might improve on Wednesday if a sufficient amount of rainfall occurs, which is expected. "However, marginal shower often deteriorates air quality because high moisture content overshadows the washout effect. In all probability, the AQI will remain within the limit of very poor and will not touch severe," it said. "Levels of gaseous pollutants, NOx and CO are forecast to be enhanced -- up to moderate range -- after a long time due to a fall in boundary layer height and reduced vertical mixing," the SAFAR said.

Delhi's air quality deteriorates, may further worsen in next two days: Authorities

People residing in Delhi and National Capital Region are reeling under the impact of breathing polluted air from the past couple of months due to vehicular pollution, crop residue burning and climate change.

As per the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded 349 on Tuesday, falling under the 'very poor'&nbsp;quality category.

The fog will lift in the morning with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 31 degrees Celsius and 13-degree Celsius, respectively.

Humidity in the region has plummeted to 60 per cent with a wind speed of 8 kilometres per hour. AQI between the range of 0-50 is considered good while the range beyond 500 is contemplated as hazardous.

The air quality index between the range 51 to 100 is marked as satisfactory while 101-200 range is touted as moderate.

The range of 201-300 comes under the category of poor whereas 401-500 range is considered as severe. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 387 at 8:45 am, while in Mathura Road area, it dipped to 'very poor'&nbsp;at 361.

Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 356, 335 and 326, respectively. Experts have predicted that the air pollution will continue to engulf the capital and its nearby region from the next couple of days.

"The air quality is very poor and will remain very poor with a gradually increasing trend for the next two days without any major episode and then likely to decline. The AQI will remain in the very poor category only. The increase is attributed to declining in wind speed as compared to past two days. Tomorrow, the sky is likely to be hazy /cloudy (not good for aq). All other meteorological factors are unfavourable and likely to remain so at least for the next two days. The contribution from stubble biomass has almost seized, " the forecasting agency stated.

In order to prevent the smog-haze issue, the pollution-hit cities can follow in Singapore's footsteps which also faced a similar issue in 2015.

In order to provide relief to its citizens, the Singapore government introduced the Haze Subsidy scheme, which provided affordable treatment for haze-related conditions to elderly, children and poor.

The climate change has also adversely affected the snow-laden peaks and landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.

The untimely snowfall in Lahul Spiti which is at least 3000 metres above the sea level, has resulted in the loss of crops such as cabbage, apple, potatoes etc. This area usually receives heavy snowfall between the month of December and April.

People residing in Delhi and National Capital Region are reeling under the impact of breathing polluted air from the past couple of months due to vehicular pollution, crop residue burning and climate change.

People residing in Delhi and National Capital Region are reeling under the impact of breathing polluted air from the past couple of months due to vehicular pollution, crop residue burning and climate change. As per the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded 349 on Tuesday, falling under the 'very poor' quality category. The fog will lift in the morning with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 31 degrees Celsius and 13-degree Celsius, respectively. Humidity in the region has plummeted to 60 per cent with a wind speed of 8 kilometres per hour. AQI between the range of 0-50 is considered good while the range beyond 500 is contemplated as hazardous. The air quality index between the range 51 to 100 is marked as satisfactory while 101-200 range is touted as moderate. The range of 201-300 comes under the category of poor whereas 401-500 range is considered as severe. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 387 at 8:45 am, while in Mathura Road area, it dipped to 'very poor' at 361. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 356, 335 and 326, respectively. Experts have predicted that the air pollution will continue to engulf the capital and its nearby region from the next couple of days. "The air quality is very poor and will remain very poor with a gradually increasing trend for the next two days without any major episode and then likely to decline. The AQI will remain in the very poor category only. The increase is attributed to declining in wind speed as compared to past two days. Tomorrow, the sky is likely to be hazy /cloudy (not good for aq). All other meteorological factors are unfavourable and likely to remain so at least for the next two days. The contribution from stubble biomass has almost seized, " the forecasting agency stated. In order to prevent the smog-haze issue, the pollution-hit cities can follow in Singapore's footsteps which also faced a similar issue in 2015. In order to provide relief to its citizens, the Singapore government introduced the Haze Subsidy scheme, which provided affordable treatment for haze-related conditions to elderly, children and poor. The climate change has also adversely affected the snow-laden peaks and landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. The untimely snowfall in Lahul Spiti which is at least 3000 metres above the sea level, has resulted in the loss of crops such as cabbage, apple, potatoes etc. This area usually receives heavy snowfall between the month of December and April.

Delhiites gasp for breath as air quality remains unhealthy

The Supreme Court-appointed EPCA lifted the ban on the entry of heavy vehicles into Delhi on Tuesday even as a thick haze engulfed the city with the air quality remaining in the "severe" category with the authorities saying that rains in some parts of the national capital has made the air heavier and increased pollution.

As the overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 411, which falls in the "severe" category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) said heavy vehicles would now ply in the city on normal timings between 11 pm and 6 am.

According to official data, 21 areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality and it was 'very poor' in 12 areas. An AQI between 0 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".

Light rains in some parts of the national capital led a decline in temperatures. The maximum temperature was recorded at 29.4 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 14.2 degrees Celsius, also a notch above the season's average, a meteorological department official said.

"After isolated showers in parts of Delhi, lots of moisture is introduced in the air to make it heavy and increased the holding capacity which increased the pollution level," the SAFAR said in a report.

It also said stubble burning incidents have reduced significantly and now the winds are not blowing from these areas so its impact on Delhi's air quality would be marginal.

A new study said that about 89 per cent of people in Delhi feel sickness or discomfort due to bad air quality as most of the people believe motor vehicles and tree cutting to be major sources of pollution.

EPCA chairperson Bhure Lal said the restriction imposed by it on heavy vehicles had been lifted.

On Monday, the EPCA allowed entry of only those vehicles into the city which were stranded for the previous four days at Delhi borders, anticipating the situation getting out of hand with the owners of over a 1,000 trucks getting "restive".

The EPCA had asserted on Monday that these stranded trucks would be exempt from paying toll or Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) from 11 pm on November 12 to 7 am on November 13. The body had said by relaxing the payment of toll-ECC, the trucks can move without any halt and this will reduce congestion and thereby pollution.

Over 2,200 vehicles were ordered to turn back from Delhi's borders during restriction on entry of heavy vehicles in the national capital from November 8 to November 12 in the wake of high pollution levels in the city, a senior traffic police official said.

The Supreme Court-appointed EPCA lifted the ban on the entry of heavy vehicles into Delhi on Tuesday even as a thick haze engulfed the city with the air quality remaining in the "severe" category with the authorities saying that rains in some parts of the national capital has made the air heavier and increased pollution.

The Supreme Court-appointed EPCA lifted the ban on the entry of heavy vehicles into Delhi on Tuesday even as a thick haze engulfed the city with the air quality remaining in the "severe" category with the authorities saying that rains in some parts of the national capital has made the air heavier and increased pollution. As the overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 411, which falls in the "severe" category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) said heavy vehicles would now ply in the city on normal timings between 11 pm and 6 am. According to official data, 21 areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality and it was 'very poor' in 12 areas. An AQI between 0 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". Light rains in some parts of the national capital led a decline in temperatures. The maximum temperature was recorded at 29.4 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 14.2 degrees Celsius, also a notch above the season's average, a meteorological department official said. "After isolated showers in parts of Delhi, lots of moisture is introduced in the air to make it heavy and increased the holding capacity which increased the pollution level," the SAFAR said in a report. It also said stubble burning incidents have reduced significantly and now the winds are not blowing from these areas so its impact on Delhi's air quality would be marginal. A new study said that about 89 per cent of people in Delhi feel sickness or discomfort due to bad air quality as most of the people believe motor vehicles and tree cutting to be major sources of pollution. EPCA chairperson Bhure Lal said the restriction imposed by it on heavy vehicles had been lifted. On Monday, the EPCA allowed entry of only those vehicles into the city which were stranded for the previous four days at Delhi borders, anticipating the situation getting out of hand with the owners of over a 1,000 trucks getting "restive". The EPCA had asserted on Monday that these stranded trucks would be exempt from paying toll or Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) from 11 pm on November 12 to 7 am on November 13. The body had said by relaxing the payment of toll-ECC, the trucks can move without any halt and this will reduce congestion and thereby pollution. Over 2,200 vehicles were ordered to turn back from Delhi's borders during restriction on entry of heavy vehicles in the national capital from November 8 to November 12 in the wake of high pollution levels in the city, a senior traffic police official said.

Delhi's air quality remains in severe category, EPCA lifts ban on heavy vehicles entry

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319.

The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category.

The AQI in Satyawati College, ITI Shahdra, Jhilmil Industrial Area, Anand Vihar, Patparganj, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,&nbsp;RK Puram, Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla were recorded at 999.&nbsp;

The complications of breathing in hazardous air quality may lead to serious health effects.

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Thick layer of smog engulfs Delhi; visuals from near Akshardham Temple. <a href="https://t.co/K02CO18o5r">pic.twitter.com/K02CO18o5r</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1060362558723514369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB.

The particulate matter 2.5 in north campus was recorded at 2000 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the AQI in several other places of the national Capital region was&nbsp;recorded in the "Very unhealthy" category. The AQI in Gurugram was recorded at 330, Greater Noida 228, Faridabad 448 and 327 in Noida.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>'s Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 &amp; area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index (AQI) <a href="https://t.co/QX7z5UYOl9">pic.twitter.com/QX7z5UYOl9</a>
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The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.

The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.

But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm.

(With inputs from PTI)

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category.

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category. The AQI in Satyawati College, ITI Shahdra, Jhilmil Industrial Area, Anand Vihar, Patparganj, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, RK Puram, Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla were recorded at 999. The complications of breathing in hazardous air quality may lead to serious health effects. Thick layer of smog engulfs Delhi; visuals from near Akshardham Temple. pic.twitter.com/K02CO18o5r — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB. The particulate matter 2.5 in north campus was recorded at 2000 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the AQI in several other places of the national Capital region was recorded in the "Very unhealthy" category. The AQI in Gurugram was recorded at 330, Greater Noida 228, Faridabad 448 and 327 in Noida. #Delhi's Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 & area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index (AQI) pic.twitter.com/QX7z5UYOl9 — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals. The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court. But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi chokes after Diwali as several places record AQI at 999

Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category at 368 on Friday despite government's effort to stop pollution.

The PM2.5 level was recorded at 210. 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).&nbsp;

The authorities also detected stubble burning in Uttar Pradesh for the first time this season after Punjab and Haryana which they said may add to the pollution woes of the national capital.

The air quality on Saturday stood at the very unhealthy category at 260.

Though there was a significant reduction from yesterday's recorded AQI in the morning hours, the forecast for next week hints on the AQI ranging at an average of 250.

The state pollution control bodies have been directed to initiate criminal prosecution against violators of air pollution norms and odd-even may come into effect if the air quality worsens.

There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution. 
&nbsp;

Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category at 368 on Friday despite government's effort to stop pollution. The PM2.5 level was recorded at 210. 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).

Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category at 368 on Friday despite government's effort to stop pollution. The PM2.5 level was recorded at 210. 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). The authorities also detected stubble burning in Uttar Pradesh for the first time this season after Punjab and Haryana which they said may add to the pollution woes of the national capital. The air quality on Saturday stood at the very unhealthy category at 260. Though there was a significant reduction from yesterday's recorded AQI in the morning hours, the forecast for next week hints on the AQI ranging at an average of 250. The state pollution control bodies have been directed to initiate criminal prosecution against violators of air pollution norms and odd-even may come into effect if the air quality worsens. There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution.

Delhi air quality remains very poor

According to the Central Pollution Control Board data, the air quality in the national capital today deteriorated beyond the "severe" level because of a ground-level dust storm in western India.

According to reports, the dust storm has led to an increase in coarser particles in the air.

The CPCB data showed that the PM10 (particles with a diameter less than 10mm) level was beyond "severe" at 778 in Delhi-NCR area and 824 in Delhi particularly, leading to hazy conditions and limiting visibility.

"There was a ground-level dust storm in the western part of the country that increased drastically coarser particles in the air, causing a spike in pollution levels in Delhi," noted Gufran Beig, a scientist at the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research Institute.

"Such dust storms accompanied by high-speed winds (30-40 kmph) do not last too long due to which the air quality will return to normal by this evening," Beig added.

According to the CPCB data, the air quality index at several places in Delhi crossed the 500-mark. East Delhi's Anand Vihar area recorded an AQI of 891.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'Good', 51-100 'Satisfactory', 101-200 'Moderate', 201-300 'Poor', 301-400 'Very Poor', and 401-500 'Severe'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

According to the CPCB data, the air quality index at several places in Delhi crossed the 500-mark

According to the Central Pollution Control Board data, the air quality in the national capital today deteriorated beyond the "severe" level because of a ground-level dust storm in western India. According to reports, the dust storm has led to an increase in coarser particles in the air. The CPCB data showed that the PM10 (particles with a diameter less than 10mm) level was beyond "severe" at 778 in Delhi-NCR area and 824 in Delhi particularly, leading to hazy conditions and limiting visibility. "There was a ground-level dust storm in the western part of the country that increased drastically coarser particles in the air, causing a spike in pollution levels in Delhi," noted Gufran Beig, a scientist at the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research Institute. "Such dust storms accompanied by high-speed winds (30-40 kmph) do not last too long due to which the air quality will return to normal by this evening," Beig added. According to the CPCB data, the air quality index at several places in Delhi crossed the 500-mark. East Delhi's Anand Vihar area recorded an AQI of 891. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'Good', 51-100 'Satisfactory', 101-200 'Moderate', 201-300 'Poor', 301-400 'Very Poor', and 401-500 'Severe'. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi air quality dips beyond 'severe' due to dust storm 

The deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR means that babies in the region are inhaling a cigarette the moment they are born.

&quot;The first breath a child takes after birth makes him an &#39;infant smoker&rsquo;. All of us are so-called non-smokers because we are already inhaling so much of polluted air,&rdquo; said Dr Arvind Kumar, an oncologist.

Parents often choose an auspicious day for the birth of their child, and often plan it along with their doctors. But in Delhi-NCR, that day is governed by levels of pollution.

Doctors say couples who have to undergo caesarean delivery, often request them to plan the surgery on days when there is no, or very less pollution. This demand shot up manifold during Diwali last month when air pollution levels were extremely high.

&ldquo;Pollution levels were off the charts during Diwali season, so we asked the doctor to delay the surgery. We are being extra cautious since the time the baby has come home. We&rsquo;ve bought air purifiers, sealed our windows,&rdquo; said Vijaya Saxena whose granddaughter was born just a week ago.

Doctors say when a baby born in Delhi-NCR takes the first breath, he/she inhales toxic smog equivalent to 10-12 cigarettes.

&ldquo;We bought an air purifier before the birth of our daughter because there is so much pollution that children&rsquo;s lungs are not developed properly. Earlier, people used to buy clothes before the birth of a child, now that is replaced with air purifier,&rdquo; said Deepa Gupta, mother of an infant daughter.

Children inhale double the amount of air an adult does. So they are at higher risk of developing respiratory problems. According to UNICEF, the biggest cause of infant mortality is pneumonia which is directly linked to air pollution.

&ldquo;Children who are growing in a polluted environment, there lung capacity is reduced. And there are high chances that he will develop asthma,&quot; said Dr Ankit Parakh, child lung specialist.

A research done by Berkeley Earth in China in the year 2015 showed that people are inhaling smoke equivalent to 1.5 cigarettes. In contrast, an Indian inhaled smoke equivalent to 25 cigarettes.

The pollutant which has emerged as the most lethal killer in the polluted air is PM2.5, the particulate matter which is linked to most of the respiratory issues.&nbsp;PM 2.5 is nasty because it can get stuck in the lungs and cause or aggravate asthma and other long-term health problems.

WHO guidelines call for no more than 10 micrograms of PM 2.5 per cubic metre of air. In most parts of Delhi today, the level is close to 400 calling for urgent need to take steps to immediately curb pollution.

Parents often choose an auspicious day for the birth of their child, and often plan it along with their doctors. But in Delhi-NCR, that day is governed by levels of pollution.

The deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR means that babies in the region are inhaling a cigarette the moment they are born. "The first breath a child takes after birth makes him an 'infant smoker’. All of us are so-called non-smokers because we are already inhaling so much of polluted air,” said Dr Arvind Kumar, an oncologist. Parents often choose an auspicious day for the birth of their child, and often plan it along with their doctors. But in Delhi-NCR, that day is governed by levels of pollution. Doctors say couples who have to undergo caesarean delivery, often request them to plan the surgery on days when there is no, or very less pollution. This demand shot up manifold during Diwali last month when air pollution levels were extremely high. “Pollution levels were off the charts during Diwali season, so we asked the doctor to delay the surgery. We are being extra cautious since the time the baby has come home. We’ve bought air purifiers, sealed our windows,” said Vijaya Saxena whose granddaughter was born just a week ago. Doctors say when a baby born in Delhi-NCR takes the first breath, he/she inhales toxic smog equivalent to 10-12 cigarettes. “We bought an air purifier before the birth of our daughter because there is so much pollution that children’s lungs are not developed properly. Earlier, people used to buy clothes before the birth of a child, now that is replaced with air purifier,” said Deepa Gupta, mother of an infant daughter. Children inhale double the amount of air an adult does. So they are at higher risk of developing respiratory problems. According to UNICEF, the biggest cause of infant mortality is pneumonia which is directly linked to air pollution. “Children who are growing in a polluted environment, there lung capacity is reduced. And there are high chances that he will develop asthma," said Dr Ankit Parakh, child lung specialist. A research done by Berkeley Earth in China in the year 2015 showed that people are inhaling smoke equivalent to 1.5 cigarettes. In contrast, an Indian inhaled smoke equivalent to 25 cigarettes. The pollutant which has emerged as the most lethal killer in the polluted air is PM2.5, the particulate matter which is linked to most of the respiratory issues. PM 2.5 is nasty because it can get stuck in the lungs and cause or aggravate asthma and other long-term health problems. WHO guidelines call for no more than 10 micrograms of PM 2.5 per cubic metre of air. In most parts of Delhi today, the level is close to 400 calling for urgent need to take steps to immediately curb pollution.

Delhi pollution: Children are inhaling 'cigarette-like air' the moment they are born

The pollution level in Delhi is alarmingly high. According to doctors, breathing in the air outside is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day.

This severe pollution is affecting people, not just on the roads but those sitting at the homes as well. The Delhi government is actively monitoring the situation and has asked for the schools to be closed. It is also the time for you to go for an air purifier for your home.

Here&rsquo;s a guide that can help you pick up the right air purifier:

Make sure the purifier is HEPA labelled: HEPA or high efficiency particulate air technology absorbs the particulate matter suspended in the air. It will help filter the air of your home, but needs to be replaced every few months.

Check for the range of the purifier: The clean air delivery rate in a filter should be more than 300 cubic metre, which will ensure that a room is covered fully.

High energy efficiency: Choose an air purifier that offers high energy efficiency. It should consume less amount of electricity, so check the specifications and don&rsquo;t go for more than 100 watts.

There are a lot of air purifiers available in the market, but don&rsquo;t just settle for anyone. Make sure it goes with your room size and has all the right things in place.

HERE&#39;S A COMPARISON OF DELHI&#39;S&nbsp;AIR QUALITY INDEX OVER THE LAST ONE WEEK

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<div class="media-description">
The deteriorating quality of air in Delhi over the last one week (WION)
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The pollution level in Delhi is alarmingly high. According to doctors, breathing in the air outside is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day.

The pollution level in Delhi is alarmingly high. According to doctors, breathing in the air outside is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day. This severe pollution is affecting people, not just on the roads but those sitting at the homes as well. The Delhi government is actively monitoring the situation and has asked for the schools to be closed. It is also the time for you to go for an air purifier for your home. Here’s a guide that can help you pick up the right air purifier: Make sure the purifier is HEPA labelled: HEPA or high efficiency particulate air technology absorbs the particulate matter suspended in the air. It will help filter the air of your home, but needs to be replaced every few months. Check for the range of the purifier: The clean air delivery rate in a filter should be more than 300 cubic metre, which will ensure that a room is covered fully. High energy efficiency: Choose an air purifier that offers high energy efficiency. It should consume less amount of electricity, so check the specifications and don’t go for more than 100 watts. There are a lot of air purifiers available in the market, but don’t just settle for anyone. Make sure it goes with your room size and has all the right things in place. HERE'S A COMPARISON OF DELHI'S AIR QUALITY INDEX OVER THE LAST ONE WEEK The deteriorating quality of air in Delhi over the last one week (WION) ×

Delhi pollution: Tips to choose air purifier

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