Delhi’s Annual Air Pollution Crisis — A Public Health Emergency

The Indian capital of Delhi is currently engulfed in a thick blanket of toxic smog, marking the annual return of one of the world’s worst air pollution crises. On November 3rd, air quality index (AQI) levels in Delhi breached the ‘hazardous’ category, reaching as high as 500 on a scale of 500. This is over 8 times the limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for fine particulate matter PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. The dangerous spike in pollution levels has prompted the Delhi government to impose emergency measures, including banning non-essential construction, closing primary schools, and restricting vehicles on the roads. However, these reactive actions provide little relief for the over 20 million residents forced to breathe poisonous air. <a href="https://medium.com/@ShortcastoverCoffee/delhis-annual-air-pollution-crisis-a-public-health-emergency-d726630024ef">Visit Now</a>