EXPLAINED: As Delhi AQI Remains Poor, Know How These 5 Pollutants Will Affect Your Health

Every year as winter approaches, Delhi faces the problem of rising air pollution. Here's how the pollutants in the air can affect you.

New Delhi: Women are seen wearing masks to get protection from air-pollution, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist)

New Delhi: The national capital woke up to yet another day of poor quality air as the Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped to 346. A report by PTI says that government agencies have informed that the quality deteriorate further in the evening and on Sunday. The report also said that some of the worst affected areas in the city include Mundka, Wazirpur and Alipur which recorded "severe" levels of air pollution. On Friday the AQI touched 366, while it was 302 the previous day. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". Pollutants we need to watch out for PM2.5 and PM10 One of the biggest threats of rising pollution in the city is particulate matter, which are particles that are suspended in the air. This can comprise anything from dust to even liquid droplets. But PM 2.5 which measures less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter and PM10 that are particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers are so tiny that it can enter the lungs and long-term exposure can cause not make pre-existing respiratory illness worse but could also lead to lung cancer. Common sources contributing to these particulate matters are construction activities, combustion of diesel and petrol in vehicle engine, etc. Nitrogen Oxides Nitrogen oxides such as nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are other major pollutants. During the lockdown, there was a 70 percent fall in the levels of nitrogen dioxide in Delhi. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide can increase your risk for the development of asthma and other respiratory illness. Sulphar Dioxide This gas is one of the major pollutants around the world. One of the biggest sources is coal-based power plants and oil refineries. A 2019, Greenpeace report says that India ranks as one of the top emitters of SO2 in the world and contributes to 15 percent of the global anthropogenic SO2 emissions. During the lockdown there was a 40 percent drop in SO2 level as industrial activities stopped. The gas is known for reducing lung function and even affecting the heart. Carbon Monoxide This noxious gas is possibly the most known pollutant as many are aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. The odourless gas is known for breaking the supply of oxygen in the body. Common sources include smoke from vehicles, burning of coal, firecrackers and stubble burning. Ammonia Ammonia can be found naturally in soil and water but an increase in the level can be caused by several factors such as agricultural fumes, industrial activities, and even untreated garbage. An article by Indian express says that gaseous ammonia can also react with other pollutants and form fine particles of ammonium salt. Exposure to ammonia can impair lung function and cause breathing difficulties.