10 Indian cities with the worst AQI and its harmful effects on health
Several Indian cities are witnessing a rapid rise in air pollution ahead of Diwali celebrations and concerned authorities are raising flags regarding the ill effects of poor air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board shared a list of the top 10 cities with the worst AQI in order to warn citizens before they step out, just in time for Diwali celebrations.
As Diwali comes closer, Indian authorities are once again left scrambling to deal with the problem of air pollution as several cities witness a rapid surge. Yesterday evening, the Central Pollution Control Board shared data regarding the pollution levels in 241 major Indian cities, drawing attention to the stark contrast between the best and the worst air quality. The data shows the Air Quality Index (AQI) on October 24, 2024, at 4 pm, and is based on an average of the past 24 hours. While Tamil Nadu's Palkalaiperur, the national capital had the most polluted air.
Top 10 Indian cities with the worst air quality
VIDEO | A layer of smog envelops parts of Delhi as the AQI level continues to be in 'poor' category'. Visuals from the Anand Vihar ISBT area.
¡ª Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 25, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/n4NyJ60G96
- Delhi (306)
- Meerut (293)
- Ghaziabad (272)
- Bhiwani (266)
- Hapur (261)
- Jind (261)
- Charkhi Dadri (260)
- Jhunjhunu (260)
- Baghpat (257)
- Hanumangarh (255)
While Delhi's air quality improved slightly this morning on October 25, after four consecutive days, it still remains in the 'poor' category which is extremely injurious to health and can lead to long-term side effects.
How to read AQI (Air Quality Index)
Take a look at this detailed breakdown of the various categories mentioned while reading the Air Quality Index (AQI), along with the health impacts related to each category:
- 0-50: Good - Little to no ill-impact
- 51-100: Satisfactory - Only minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people
- 101-200: Moderate - Is reported to cause breathing discomfort to people with lung, asthma and heart diseases
- 201-300: Poor - Causes breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure
- 301-400: Very Poor - Can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure
- 401-500: Severe - Not only affects healthy people but also seriously impacts those with existing diseases or conditions.
Alarming ways air pollution affects health
VIDEO | A thick blanket of smog covers parts of Delhi as the city struggles with worsening air quality. Visuals from the ITO area.#DelhiPollution
¡ª Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 25, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/swZBYj1Sqa
Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, making it difficult for patients to breathe and significantly affecting their quality of life. In a shocking revelation, the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) classified air pollution as a human carcinogen in 2013. According to WebMD, air pollution has also been linked to heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, increased chances of pneumonia and several other autoimmune conditions as well.
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Bhavika Dudeja writes for the Indiatimes Lifestyle section with a passion for all that's up and coming. She brings you engaging and easy-to-follow content about all things interesting, from the latest fashion trends that your favourite celebs are following to what's good for your mind, body and soul.
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