If you are suffering from any respiratory disorder, it is high time you start taking precautions. A haze has been hanging over the city for the past few days, caused by very poor air quality. Six out of 10 stations under System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) that monitors Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city has recorded 'Very Poor' air quality on Sunday.
The PM (particulate matter) 2.5 levels on Saturday was 162 µgm-3 which fall in 'Very Poor' category. As per predictions by weathermen, the air quality will remain in 'Very Poor' category for the next three days.
The worst affected areas on Sunday with 'Very Poor' and high levels of PM 2.5 were Borivali (353), Malad (324), Andheri(374) and BKC (391).
PM 2.5 is the smallest size pollutant known to cause respiratory illnesses and worsens the condition of those suffering from ailments like asthma and bronchitis. Longer exposure to it may trigger respiratory illnesses.
As per experts from SAFAR, the western disturbance has brought in more moisture in the atmosphere. The particulate pollutant tends to gets trapped in the moisture and form a blanket of haze all over the city. Also, high levels of PM 2.5 at BKC and Andheri was the rampant construction and lack of measures to combat dust pollution and others.
The pollution had its own problems for citizens. On an average, 15 to 20 patients visited clinics on a regular basis as compared to not more than 10 at others times. Dr Shrinivas Chavan, an ENT specialist from Sir JJ Group of Hospital, said, "We have been getting more patients related to allergy rhinitis which causes itching, sneezing. Most of the patients are between the age group of 20 to 40 years of age. Due to air pollution, besides allergy rhinitis, patients come with other complains like running of nose, blockage of nose, headache."
He further added, "Patients having asthma, respiratory issues, have to face health issues due to change in the climate and poor air pollution. People having asthma problem should stay away from dust allergy and not go for morning or evening walks. Due to poor air quality, their asthma can aggravate further."
While rising temperature is a concern, Mumbaikars can heave a sigh of relief as weathermen have predicted yet another cold spell this week.
Rajesh Kapadia a private weather forecaster who also runs the popular weather blog Vagaries of Weather said that the temperature is likely to start dropping from today.
DOS AND DON’TS
- Avoid dust
- Do not go for a morning or evening walk
- To prevent from dust at home while cleaning, use a handkerchief
- If there are furry pet animals, stay away from them, can cause allergic reactions
- Change cushion and bedsheets to prevent dust allergy reaction
- Do yoga and breathing exercises
- Take steam inhalation during bedtime
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As per experts from SAFAR, the western disturbance has brought in more moisture in the atmosphere. The particulate pollutant tends to gets trapped in the moisture and form a blanket of haze all over the city. Also, high levels of PM 2.5 at BKC and Andheri was the rampant construction and lack of measures to combat dust pollution and others.
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