The AQI range of 200 to 300 is categorised as u2018pooru2019, and anything beyond 300 is categorised as u2018very pooru2019. On Monday, Mazgaon (342), Colaba (336), Malad (321), Chembur (319) and Bandra Kurla Complex (313) stations of SAFAR recorded u2018very pooru2019 air quality.
The city overtook the hazardous city Delhi on Saturday, the average AQI at Delhi was u2018pooru2019 with index at 249 whereas that of Mumbai was u2018very pooru2019 with AQI index at 309.This problem is made worse by the city’s particle matter index, which is 2.5 units higher than Delhi’s. When compared to the harm caused in Delhi with the same AQI, this level of PM index has the potential to harm individuals more.Doctors and health professionals have suggested using masks (N-95 OR K-95), particularly for individuals who already have respiratory conditions, and delaying going outside until absolutely essential. Dr Sahil Bendre, head of chest medicine at Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital credit this AQI to stagnant industrial and vehicular pollution throughout the year. The drop in AQI during winters exaggerates asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD), etc.
Image source- https://www.ankitparakh.com/what-are-the-effects-of-air-pollution-on-human-health/Ongoing meteorological processes are to blame for this scenario. But human activities like unending construction, burning of firewood and municipal waste burning make it worse.The city is equipped with continuous wind flow from the western and southwestern directions throughout the year, but this rate of wind flow declines during the winter and the wind becomes dense and stagnant allowing the problematic smog to build up.The situation is still not out of hand, it is crucial to consider the city’s air quality and to take the necessary precautions beforehand. What do you think about this degrading AQI of the metro-cities of the country? Is keeping public health at stake for development justified?
