Air quality in city is deteriorating each day as the level of Respiratory Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) responsible for heart related diseases was recorded “abnormally” high on Tuesday.
As per the real time air quality data released by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) under Ministry of Earth Science, the level of PM 2.5 was 326.5 while PM 10 was 212.7 recorded.
With the air quality recorded to be worse for few days, the children and elderly people are at continuous risk.
The level of harmful gas benzene was also recorded at high as per the real time air quality of Delhi Pollution Control committee (DPCC), the level of benzene was28.33 µg/m3 at civil line are while the prescribed standard is 0.5 µg/m3 only.
People have felt eye allergies and were breathing uneasy. Environmentalist experts in city said in coming winter the levels of PM will increase more and the cases of respiratory diseases will also increase.
City based environmentalist Gopal Krishan,Toxic Watch Alliance (TWA) said Delhi needs adequate rain to wash the Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) however Government institute should work on the policies to reduces numbers of vehicles on city roads. “The vehicular emission is primary factor responsible for PM levels in air, he said.
Meanwhile, there is prediction of rain in this weekend by IMD. Health experts said these particulate matters are extremely dangerous for people suffering from asthma, breathing and cardiac disorders. On Diwali night, Capital witnessed a severe rise in pollution as the level of Particulate Matter (PM) was measured 23 times higher than normal.
Dr Vikas Maurya, consultant Respiratory Medicine at BlK Super Speciality Hospital said the number of respiratory patients visiting OPD has increased by at least 30 per cent compared to previous months. Majority of them are children and senior citizens.”
Also, residents are suffering from ENT issues too. According to doctors most people are allergic to smog and for them it is necessary to wear masks when they go outside. “In India, N95 respirator or mask is available in the market,” said Dr Maurya.
The situation is same in all Government and private hospitals across the city as OPD’s for lung disease patients are recording more cases now.