Chennai air quality index got worse than Delhi (TN Weatherman)
Posted on: 13/Jan/2018 3:26:36 PM
What is Pm 2.5 AQI (PM 2.5 Air Quality Index)
PM 2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which is about 3% the diameter of a human hair. They reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated and its is a concern for people`s health when levels in air are high.
Since they are so small and light, fine particles tend to stay longer in the air than heavier particles. This increases the chances of humans and animals inhaling them into the bodies. Owing to their minute size, particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers are able to bypass the nose and throat and penetrate deep into the lungs and some may even enter the circulatory system. Studies have found a close link between exposure to fine particles and premature death from heart and lung disease. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that long-term exposure to PM2.5 may lead to plaque deposits in arteries, causing vascular inflammation and a hardening of the arteries which can eventually lead to heart attack and stroke
What is permissible norm for pm 2.5 ?
The 24-hour concentration of PM2.5 is considered unhealthy when it rises above 35.4 μg/m3.
Why 24-hour and not a shorter duration when evaluating the health impact of fine particles? This is because the potential damage caused by air pollutants depends not just on the concentration, but also on the duration of exposure. The longer you are exposed to PM2.5, the higher the risk of developing adverse effects caused by the exposure. That’s why a 24-hour measurement is a better reflection of the health effects of fine particles than say a three-hour reading.
Now lets check at the live reading of pm 2.5 in Chennai
Our India government;s CPCB has installed three live pollution measurement devices (Alandur, IIT, Madras and Manali), it can be seen live here - http://www.cpcb.gov.in/CAAQM/mapPage/frmindiamap.aspx
The CPCB data in additon to US consultate live pollution data can also be seen in a map view here - http://aqicn.org/city/chennai//alandur/
Courtesy: Tamil Nadu Weatherman
