New Delhi, November 4 (Prensa Latina) Air quality in this capital today remains in the severe category, with a dangerous layer of fog enveloping the entire region, a panorama that Indian authorities described as worrying.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the city’s pollution level at 440 early Saturday morning when the ideal health index is around 50.
In an emergency meeting a day earlier, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena described the situation as worrisome and reiterated the need to implement a permanent long-term action plan to curb the air pollution crisis.
During the meeting, measures such as the temporary halt to construction, a call for the population to stay at home if possible and to use public transport to reduce emissions were discussed.
Other areas in the national capital region recorded slightly lower pollution levels but were placed in the severe category, such as Noida at 429, Gurugram 425 and Faridabad 457.
Air pollution occurs due to the presence of harmful substances that have a negative impact on human health and the environment.
The causes include the use of poisons in agriculture, such as insecticides and pesticides; the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and other fuels; industrial smoke that releases carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other chemicals; and vehicle exhaust as a source of carbon monoxide.
Some of the impacts on the population include respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer; cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart disease; neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety; as well as eye irritation and skin diseases.
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