Amid 'Very Poor' AQI, Delhi Records a Dramatic Rise in 'Toxic' Carbon Monoxide Levels

With Delhi's overall air quality remaining in the "very poor" category, experts said the toxic gas could cause severe reactive airway dysfunction (RADS) even in absolutely healthy people.

"CO is one of the most important and dangerous constituents of air pollution, both outdoor and indoor. Since we cannot see, smell or taste it, it keeps damaging our respiratory system and other vital organs of our body. Air purifiers cannot remove this from indoors, and high levels can immediately lead to headache, nausea, giddiness and unconsciousness," said Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director and Unit Head of Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.

The air quality in the national capital deteriorated to the "very poor" category due to calm winds and cool weather conditions, weather officials said.

According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the concentration of (particulate matter) PM10 and PM2.5 was recorded at 302 and 361 in Delhi, respectively. The AQI was 368 in PUSA, 333 at Lodhi Road, and 370 at Mathura Road. The AQI in Noida and Gurugram stood at 378 and 347, respectively, all under the "very poor" category.

According to the SAFAR forecast, Delhi's air quality will remain under the "very poor" category for more days. "The air quality will deteriorate more in the coming days," said an expert.

Dr G.C. Khilnani, Chairman, Pulmonology, Critical care and Sleep Medicine, PSRI Hospital in Delhi, said that cancers of all the organs, heart disease, and strokes are all caused by this menace.

"Besides a feeling of general ill health, headaches, low energy, sleep disturbances, and reduced appetite affect our daily life. Reducing the exposure by exercising restraint is equally important," he said.

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The above article has been published from a wire source with minimal modifications to the headline and text.