A thick layer of smog covered India’s capital on October 21, following Diwali celebrations that saw millions light fireworks, sending air pollution soaring to hazardous levels across the city.
The previous night, fireworks in New Delhi continued late, releasing smoke and fine particles that combined with seasonal pollution and stagnant weather. By morning, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had risen above 350 in several areas—a level classified as “severe” and unsafe to breathe by the World Health Organization’s daily exposure guidelines.
Visibility also declined in parts of the city, as a gray haze shrouded streets, high-rises, and historic monuments.
Air quality significantly impacts our health and well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed until it visibly worsens. The AQI offers a vital lens through which we can monitor and respond to pollution levels, protecting the health of entire communities.
So, what is the science of air pollution? What are the health implications that arise? And how can the AQI be used effectively to safeguard you and loved ones against such invisible enemies? Click through this gallery to find out.