Safeguarding Health in Times of Heavy Air Pollution: Practical Precautions and Insights
Description
Air pollution remains a critical public health issue, especially in densely populated urban areas where pollutant levels often reach hazardous concentrations. This article analyzes recent trends in New Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), emphasizing persistently high pollutant levels and PM2.5 concentrations that far exceed WHO guidelines. On November 2, 2024, New Delhi's AQI was recorded at 355, significantly lower than cities like Dam Dam (480) and Kolkata (439), Basirhat (444), Howrah (434) . Despite showing relatively better air quality, New Delhi, Dam Dam, Kolkata, Basirhat, , and Howrah faces urgent challenges that necessitate effective strategies to combat pollution. Additionally, Darjeeling's AQI of 21 demonstrates effective local policies and serves as a model for cleaner air, well below the WHO guideline of 25 µg/m³. This article advocates for personal precautions and collective actions to enhance air quality, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and policy implementation to protect public health and sustain environmental integrity.