Air Quality Index (AQI)- Delhi

Air Quality Index or AQI

is the system used to warn the public when air pollution is beyond the safety level that is dangerous. It is a numerical scale used to communicate the quality of the air in a specific location. The AQI tracks the ozone and measures several air pollutants regulated by governments, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

AQI is an indicator which is developed by government agencies to inform the public how polluted the air currently is.

IMPORTANCE :

Air Quality Index AQI is important for public health. Monitoring air quality is important because it helps us to know how polluted the air is which we breathe in.

Polluted AIR can be bad for our health and for the ENVIRONMENT.
By constantly checking AQI we can reduce pollution levels which in turn can improve the public’s physical health.

It can reduce the burden of diseases from STROKE, HEART DISEASE, LUNG CANCER AND BOTH CHRONIC AND ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISEASE, INCLUDING ASTHMA.
It helps in identifying faulty standards and inadequate monitoring programmes.

AQI CATEGORIES

Namely, there are SIX AQI categories

GOOD
SATISFACTORY
MODERATELY POLLUTED
POOR
VERY POOR
SEVERE

The Air Quality Index (AQI) typically ranges from 0 to 500 or sometimes higher, with lower values indicating better air quality and higher values indicating poorer air quality.

AQI COLOR	LEVEL OF CONCERN	VALUES OF INDEX
GREEN	GOOD	0-50
YELLOW	SATISFACTORY	51-100
ORANGE	MODERATELY POLLUTED	101-150
RED	POOR	151-200
PURPLE	VERY POOR	201-300
MAROON	SEVERE	301–500

These categories provide information about the potential health effects associated with the measured air quality. For instance, when the AQI is in the “poor” range, it might mean that individuals with respiratory issues or heart conditions might experience health effects, while the general population might not be affected as significantly.

BAD AIR QUALITY

AIR pollution is the impurity of air due to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are dangerous for humans and other living beings and for the environment.
The higher the Air Quality Index AQI value, the greater the level of pollution in the air and the higher the risk of physical health. The AQI can increase due to an increase in air emissions. Some examples are :

Vehicle emissions
Fuel oils and natural gas
coal-fueled power plants
fumes from chemical production
transportation etc

Bad AIR Quality has bad effects on the health of the people. Air pollution increases the risk of respiratory infections, stroke, heart disease and lung cancer.
Bad AIR quality not only affects health but also it impacts the environment.It reduces visibility and blocks sunlight, causing acid rain and harming forests, wildlife and agriculture.

SAFETY MEASURES

Unhealthy AIR quality can be scary, but the AIR QUALITY INDEX is an important tool which helps us to monitor and take adequate measures to stay safe.
Air pollution can threaten anyone’s health, so we need to take adequate steps to keep ourselves healthy.
On days when the air quality is ORANGE,RED,PURPLE OR MAROON :

REDUCE THE TIME SPENT OUTSIDE AND REDUCE THE INTENSITY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
WEAR A MASK WHILE GOING OUTSIDE.
KEEP YOUR AIR INDOORS HEALTHY BY KEEPING THE WINDOWS AND DOORS CLOSED.
AVOI BURNING LEAVES, TRASH AND OTHER MATERIALS SO THAT LESS SMOKE IS PRODUCED.

DELHI AQI

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has been a topic of concern and discussion for years.

DELHI’S air quality is deteriorating day by day due to vehicular emissions, construction dust and smoke from farm fires.

During winter, Delhi often faces severe air pollution, leading to very high AQI level. At times, the AQI can reach levels categorized as “Very Unhealthy” or even “Hazardous,” which can pose significant health risks, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory problems.

The city faces acute air pollution during the winter months, primarily due to temperature inversions trapping pollutants close to the ground. Additionally, the post-monsoon season often sees a hike in pollution levels due to crop residue burning in neighbouring states.

Efforts and Solutions

Several initiatives have been implemented to combat air pollution in Delhi

Some of the measures are:

ODD – EVEN VEHICLE SCHEME
CARPOOLING
USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT�
RESTRICTING INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS

Conclusion

Delhi’s AQI serves as a vital indicator of the city’s environmental health. Raising awareness, implementing sustainable solutions, and fostering a collective responsibility toward cleaner air is key to reducing the adverse effects of poor air quality in Delhi. Overall its our collective responsibility to take proper actions to lower the AQI level along with government efforts.

.https://www.iqair.com/in-en/india/delhi