Poor air quality in city risky for COVID patients

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: With the end of this year's rainy season, the air quality in the capital city here has started deteriorating. The development may pose a challenge to handle the COVID-19 situation in the State.

On November 3, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 103, which is categorized as "moderate" by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). People with lung and heart ailments, children and elderly people may face discomfort in breathing under the moderate category of air quality. The AQI in Guwahati stood at 82 on October 1.

As per the yardsticks of CPCB, the AQI in between 101 to 200 is considered 'moderate' followed by 'poor' (201-300 AQI), 'very poor' (301-400 AQI) and 'severe' (401 and above AQI). Under the very poor and severe categories of AQI, even healthy people can develop respiratory illness.

"Since the rainless condition will prevail for the next two or three months, the air quality in Guwahati will further deteriorate due to dust and emission produced by vehicles and industries. The polluted air directly impacts the lungs. Poor lungs may make people more vulnerable to the Coronavirus infection and resultant complications such as breathlessness and oxygen saturation," said an environmental scientist at the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA).

The scientist further stated that in view of the current pandemic, the State Government must take strict actions to prevent bursting of fire crackers in the upcoming Diwali festival. "Bursting of fire crackers emits poisonous gas and pollutant particles. If the people burst crackers, the people — particularly the COVID patients will inhale poisonous air," pointed out the scientist.

During the lockdown, the AQI went below 40. The AQI in Guwahati was 47 in April, 52 in May, 45 in June and 42 in July. AQI between 0 to 50 is considered 'good' having minimal impact on respiratory ailments and distress.

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