The air quality in Delhi has fallen to ‘very poor’ category. The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) in the capital city was recorded at 356. This is a significant decline in air quality compared to the last two days when there was a slight improvement in the AQI.

According to a report in India Today, at 4 pm on Saturday, the AQI in the city was recorded at 255. However, current readings show that pollution levels in many areas of Delhi are ‘severe’, with AQI above 400.

This morning, AQI readings at various monitoring stations across Delhi were recorded at alarming levels, including 403 in Alipore, 406 in Anand Vihar, 404 in Bawana, 414 in Jahangirpuri, 408 in Nehru Nagar, 401 in Sonia Vihar and 401 in Vivek Vihar. Was 404. Among notable areas, AQI readings remained quite high, with ITO reporting an AQI of 367, India Gate reporting an AQI of 374 and DU North Campus reporting an AQI of 370.

PWD vehicles in the city are spraying water in parts of the national capital to reduce dust levels.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is “the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.”

AQI between 0-50 is considered “good”, 51-100 is “satisfactory”, 101-200 is “moderate”, 201-300 is “poor”, 301-400 is “very poor”, 401-500 is “severe”. Is considered “serious”. ” and above 500 is a “severe plus”.

Air quality affects many aspects of your health, including the lungs, heart and brain.

Poor air quality has a significant impact on heart health. Pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are directly linked to cardiovascular problems. When you inhale these tiny particles and gases, they enter your bloodstream causing inflammation and oxidative stress that damages blood vessels. Over time, this leads to a build-up of arterial plaque, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a condition that narrows and hardens the arteries, affecting blood flow.

Atherosclerosis can also lead to other health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Studies show that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease even in people who do not have other major health risks.

Not only this, poor air quality can also aggravate pre-existing heart conditions by increasing the chances of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and increasing the symptoms of heart failure.

People who are vulnerable, such as older adults, children, and people with pre-existing heart or lung disease, are at higher risk. Short-term exposure to high pollution levels can also lead to serious cardiovascular events. Therefore, it is important to monitor air quality levels, especially on days with poor air quality alerts.

It is also important that you make efforts to reduce exposure such as limiting outdoor activities on high pollution days, using air purifiers indoors and wearing a protective mask when necessary can help reduce these risks. Is.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.