Breathe With Caution: Understanding The Deteriorating AQI And Tips To Stay Safe
As the AQI reaches dangerous levels in Delhi-NCR, here are some tips on how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
You're not the only one who woke up with an itchy throat or burning eyes. A rapid and severe decline in the air quality of the Delhi-NCR area has caused symptoms such as coughing, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing in many people. Overnight, the national capital's air quality drastically declined, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming levels.
According to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) data, the AQI was 249 at 10 AM, which is considered 'poor.' However, real-time AQI measurements exceeded 500 and entered the 'hazardous' zone in several Delhi-NCR areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials revealed that around 10 PM on Wednesday, dust-raising winds blew across the area, causing a significant change in the air quality. As a result of the powerful gusts that mixed up a lot of particulate matter, particularly PM10, the air pollution increased drastically.
Even while the trend is improving, the current state of the air is dangerous, particularly for children, the elderly, and people who already have respiratory disorders. Short-term symptoms, including eye discomfort, sore throat, and shortness of breath, can happen to even healthy people.
Important Safety Advice You Must Take Right Away
Steer clear of outdoor activities
Exercise, jogging, and walking can be detrimental when air quality drops to dangerous levels. This may exacerbate symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or dyspnea. While you should also keep windows and doors closed to protect outside air from entering your house, especially in the early morning and late evening, when pollution is at its worst.
Drink plenty of water
Air pollution can dry up the mucous membranes of your lungs, throat, and nose, leaving you more susceptible to infections and irritation. Water consumption keeps your body hydrated and aids in toxin removal.
Use Saline Nasal Spray
Saline nasal sprays are a mild yet efficient method of cleaning your nasal passages of allergies, pollutants, and irritants. This can soothe dry or irritable nasal tissues, lessen inflammation, and ease congestion. On days with significant pollution, it's especially beneficial for kids and anyone with sinus issues or allergic rhinitis.
Use Air Purifiers
During days with high pollution levels, air purifiers are crucial, particularly for vulnerable populations including the elderly, young children, and expectant mothers. These gadgets aid in removing indoor air pollutants and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Make sure the purifier has a HEPA filter and put it in the room where pregnant women, kids, and the elderly spend the most time.
Do not disregard prolonged coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, exhaustion, or dyspnea experienced by you or your family members. These might indicate increasing asthma or respiratory discomfort.
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