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Delhi-NCR woke up to a slightly rainy morning on Wednesday, February 18. The overall air quality of the capital remained in the 'poor' category, with light rain falling across various areas of the city. The current AQI of Delhi stands at 219, which falls under the 'poor' category, raising health concerns among individuals. AQI of Delhi reached 219 at 9 am as rainfall did not help reduce pollution levels. The early-morning rain provided brief relief from dry weather, but failed to improve air quality.
Health concerns rise with 'poor' AQI
An AQI of 219 falls under the 'poor' category, which can cause discomfort to people with respiratory issues and other health problems.Region-wise AQI of the capital
CPCB’s 9 AM data showed AQI of the following places in Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – 190, Rohini – 295, Vivek Vihar – 275, Ashok Vihar – 260, and R K Puram – 221.'Moderate' air at select locations
Ghaziabad Indirapuram recorded an AQI of 292, Meerut, Ganga Nagar – 184. Knowledge Park-III in Greater Noida recorded 190 and Sector-125 in Noida reported 274.Haryana records mixed air quality levels
Haryana reported mixed air quality levels. New Industrial Town in Faridabad recorded an AQI of 192, while Sector-51 in Gurugram recorded an AQI of 253, remaining in the ‘poor’ category. Murthal in Sonipat reported a relatively better AQI of 136, which falls in the 'moderate' range. MD University in Rohtak recorded 199, close to entering the ‘poor’ category.ALSO READ: Delhi AQI: Air quality worsens, several pockets record ‘very poor’ levels amid rising pollution
The light morning rainfall did not stop pollution from spreading across most areas of Delhi and NCR. Outdoor activities should be limited by residents who belong to vulnerable groups, which include children and elderly people, and those who have breathing problems, whenever the AQI stays within the 'poor' and 'very poor' range. Weather conditions, together with wind speed and existing pollution sources in the area, will determine the upcoming days. AQI ranges from 0 to 500
According to the CPCB, the AQI ranges from 0 to 500 and is divided into six categories. The first category represents the lowest level of pollution, while the sixth category represents the highest level of pollution, which has various effects on people's health.- The AQI is considered "good" when it ranges from 0 to 50. Air quality in this range poses minimal health risks to people breathing it.
- A reading between 51 and 100 indicates what experts consider "satisfactory." The air is safe for people to breathe, and at this level, most people are unlikely to be affected.
- The AQI system classifies values between 101 and 200 as 'moderate'.
- The AQI system classifies values between 201 and 300 as 'poor'; this level of pollution poses a risk, especially for people with health problems.
- The AQI range of 301 to 400 falls in the 'very poor' category, posing serious health risks to children, adults, older citizens and those suffering from respiratory and lung problems.
- The 'severe' category represents the most dangerous level of risk, existing between 401 and 500. The presence of these conditions results in air quality conditions that pose a threat to the entire population and lead to serious health problems.