Hyderabad: Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels in the city were recorded at 93 ug/m3 over the last two days and it was found to peak from 12 noon to 2 pm. Air quality will be bad for the next two days too, according to monitoring agencies. The cloud cover and increasing vehicular pollution make it difficult for the dispersal of pollutants.
PM 2.5 is dangerous because the pollutants are so small that they enter the blood stream from the lungs.
The instantaneous value was recorded at 43 ug/m3 in different areas of Sanathnagar, Zoo Park and RK Puram.
Due to the dip in temperatures and the cloud cover caused by Cyclone Phethai, people were burning wood and scrap material on the outskirts of the city, adding to pollutants in the air.
Poor air quality is hazardous for those suffering from respiratory diseases, pregnant women, children and senior citizens who must be confined to homes, stated experts.
Dr Mehboob Khan, professor of pulmonology in Osmania Medical College, explained, “The cold winds is a trigger for those suffering from respiratory diseases and due to the dip in temperature they have to be confined at home. They must keep their medications and inhaler handy so that they can easily access them.”
He said patients of respiratory diseases feeling tightness in the chest and breathlessness must immediately take medication and approach the doctor for further assistance.
“Often we find that people wait for doctor’s advice and this has led to delay and untoward consequences,” Dr Khan said.
Due to heavy wind movement, there is also movement of different viruses and pregnant women, senior citizens and children must be indoors to avoid viral infections.
