Delhi is witnessing a spell of severe pollution yet again. The firecrackers burned during Diwali, and the smoke from farmers burning their stubble resulted in thick smog over the city.
Over the past few years, this has become something of a norm to the residents.
The danger lies specifically with the particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5). These atmospheric aerosol particles can get into the lungs and even the blood stream, and pose a threat to lungs and heart, health experts warn.
While PM 2.5 is tolerable at the levels of up to 40 micrograms per cubic meter (WHO safe limit is 25), Delhi is now registering around 400 – 900, posing a severe risk to its residents.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal provided the latest numbers a short while ago. While the air quality index is at a severe level, so is the dangerous PM 2.5