The Air Quality Index tells how poisonous the air is.
There does not seem to be much improvement in the air quality of Delhi. AQI red alert was issued in 12 areas here at 6 am on Wednesday. At the same time, orange alert in 22 areas. In the areas for which red alert was issued, AQI was found between 300 to 400. The AQI where the orange alert was issued was between 200 and 300. The AQI released every day shows how poisonous the air is or whether it has improved.
Now the question arises that how is the quality of air determined? In which part of Delhi has the air improved and where has it become suffocating? How is this ascertained and the data is released? Let us understand this.
How do we find out how poisonous the air is?
Scientific methods and online systems are used to determine how polluted Delhi’s air is. These measure the quality of air. Air quality index is measured on the basis of 6 types of pollutants.
1- PM2.5 very fine dust particles
2 PM10 large particles of dust and soil
3- NO₂ nitrogen dioxide
4- SO₂ sulfur dioxide
5- CO carbon monoxide
6- O₃ ozone gas
By combining the levels of all these, an average score is given, this is called AQI. Now the question arises that from where do we get the data of AQI on the basis of which air quality is known?
Polluted air is temporarily improved through anti-smog guns.
Where do we get the data for AQI?
There are air quality monitoring stations at different places in Delhi. These are run by different agencies. Like- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India Metrological Department (IMD) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). These air quality monitoring stations have been installed at different places so that records of air quality everywhere can be maintained. Like- North Campus, IGI Airport, Lodhi Road, ITO, RK Puram, Anand Vihar, Rohini, Mayur Vihar and Dwarka Sector-8.
What do AQI figures say?
Many types of information are available from its data. Like- how poisonous is the air? Should one go out or not? To go for a workout or not? What precautions should people take if they are suffering from respiratory diseases? How alert do they need to be?
Experts say, whenever you go out during winter, check the AQI. Use a mask if the situation worsens. If you are already suffering from any disease then definitely take medical advice.
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