Gurgaon: The year started on a ‘poor’ note with the average air quality index in Jan at 252. This was only marginally better than last Jan’s level of 268.
According to experts, the region witnessed a rise in wind speed and weaker western disturbances, which led to better dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere this Jan. No ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’ air days, however, were reported — there were six ‘very poor’ air days, 21 ‘poor’ days and five ‘moderate’ days.In contrast, the city reported one ‘satisfactory’ air day in Jan 2022 and two each in the month in 2021 and 2020.
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’. According to CPCB, when the AQI is ‘poor’, breathing discomfort can be felt by most people on prolonged exposure.
Meanwhile, the city’s overall AQI deteriorated to 320 (very poor), from 247 (poor) the day before, due to dense fog. The AQI was the highest at Teri Gram (354), followed by Gwalpahari (351), Sector 51 (339) and Vikas Sadan (246).
“We can’t say the city’s air quality has become better just because the average AQI has improved. The gains that we are witnessing are because of meteorological factors. The sources of emissions have remained the same throughout the year, though the concentration varies with the season. The city’s air was ‘poor’ for most of Jan, which is far from calling it better,” said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment.
Health experts said air pollution poses serious health risks as it affects every part of the body. Dr Pratibha Dogra, senior consultant (pulmonology) at Marengo Asia Hospital, said: “There has been a rise in respiratory ailments in recent years. More people are experiencing frequent bouts of cold and cough and irritation in the eyes, apart from respiratory issues. PM2.5 particles can easily enter the body and lodge in the lungs, resulting in serious health concerns. This might result in asthma attacks and increase the risk of both heart attacks and stroke.”
Dogra further said air pollution can also stunt lung development in growing children, reducing their lung function as adults. “Prolonged exposure to air pollution can make breathing harder for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Severe symptoms can lead to hospitalisation and even death.”
Meanwhile, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) officials said the suspension of road dust due to vehicular traffic as well as dust from rampant construction are a special concern in the city. “Air pollution is a long-term issue and we have been taking mitigating measures,” said a HSPCB officer.
According to experts, the region witnessed a rise in wind speed and weaker western disturbances, which led to better dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere this Jan. No ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’ air days, however, were reported — there were six ‘very poor’ air days, 21 ‘poor’ days and five ‘moderate’ days.In contrast, the city reported one ‘satisfactory’ air day in Jan 2022 and two each in the month in 2021 and 2020.
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’. According to CPCB, when the AQI is ‘poor’, breathing discomfort can be felt by most people on prolonged exposure.
Meanwhile, the city’s overall AQI deteriorated to 320 (very poor), from 247 (poor) the day before, due to dense fog. The AQI was the highest at Teri Gram (354), followed by Gwalpahari (351), Sector 51 (339) and Vikas Sadan (246).
“We can’t say the city’s air quality has become better just because the average AQI has improved. The gains that we are witnessing are because of meteorological factors. The sources of emissions have remained the same throughout the year, though the concentration varies with the season. The city’s air was ‘poor’ for most of Jan, which is far from calling it better,” said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment.
Health experts said air pollution poses serious health risks as it affects every part of the body. Dr Pratibha Dogra, senior consultant (pulmonology) at Marengo Asia Hospital, said: “There has been a rise in respiratory ailments in recent years. More people are experiencing frequent bouts of cold and cough and irritation in the eyes, apart from respiratory issues. PM2.5 particles can easily enter the body and lodge in the lungs, resulting in serious health concerns. This might result in asthma attacks and increase the risk of both heart attacks and stroke.”
Dogra further said air pollution can also stunt lung development in growing children, reducing their lung function as adults. “Prolonged exposure to air pollution can make breathing harder for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Severe symptoms can lead to hospitalisation and even death.”
Meanwhile, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) officials said the suspension of road dust due to vehicular traffic as well as dust from rampant construction are a special concern in the city. “Air pollution is a long-term issue and we have been taking mitigating measures,” said a HSPCB officer.