Delhi's air quality crossed the 'severe' category on Monday and reached its worst level this season. Areas like Dwarka, Mundka and Najafgarh recorded a maximum air quality index (AQI) of 500 on Monday afternoon. Due to air pollution, there was a dense blanket of fog since morning. People complained of itching and watery eyes. Doctors have expressed concern about air pollution and warned that this poisonous air can harm not only sick but also healthy people.
Doctors have given important advice
Doctors have advised not to leave the house unless necessary, drink enough fluids and use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor particulate levels. It has also been warned that people already suffering from lung or heart related problems should remain alert and keep taking their medicines.
Dr Rajat Sharma, resident doctor of community medicine at Delhi's Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, said, “At this level of pollution, wearing an N95 mask is necessary. N95 masks provide better protection than surgical masks or cloth masks because surgical or cloth masks often do not fit the face snugly and cannot adequately block particles. Wearing a mask is mandatory.
Know how to wear a facemask
He said that N95 and N99 masks are effective in blocking solid particles (PM 2.5 and PM 10), but they cannot filter harmful gases like ozone, nitrogen dioxide or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). He advised to change the mask regularly and said that using the mask for a long time reduces its filtering ability. He said that it is also important to ensure that the mask fits properly on the face and there is no leakage, because if the mask does not fit properly then its effectiveness will be less.
Image Credit: India_Tv.