With AQI 1086, Kurla’s air quality under ‘hazardous’ level; Mumbai’s AQI still ‘unhealthy’

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Mumbai has been witnessing dangerously high AQI levels after the unseasonal rains and Balochistan dust storm days ago.

As per aqi.in, Kurla's AQI breached the 1000-mark today at 8 am. AQI above 400 is considered severe or hazardous. With 403, Bandra East's air quality is also under the "severe" or "hazardous" category".

Residents of these neighbours should avoid outdoor activities strictly and stay indoors with window and doors shut. If you are comorbid or live with someone who is comorbid or has respiratory problem, it is advisable to wear masks as home.

Mumbai's air quality remained in "unhealthy" category with AQI 276. The reading also stated that PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations in Mumbai are 48 and 258 respectively.

On Friday morning, Mumbai and Thane (236) ranked as two of the most polluted cities in India in aqi.in's daily reading.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health when levels in air are high. PM2.5 is tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. Outdoor PM2.5 levels are most likely to be elevated on days with little or no wind or air mixing.

Air Quality Index (AQI) is a yardstick to measure the quality of air in a given area. It is measured from 0 to 500. A higher value of AQI denotes a greater level of pollutants in the air and hence a more severe impact on health.

The AQI index is divided into six categories, each corresponding to a different level of health concern.

Good (0-50) - Minimal Impact

Satisfactory (51-100) - May cause minor breathing difficulties in sensitive people.

Moderately polluted (101-200) - May cause breathing difficulties in people with lung disease like asthma, and discomfort to people with heart disease, children and older adults.

Poor (201-300) - May cause breathing difficulties in people on prolonged exposure, and discomfort to people with heart disease.

Very Poor (301-400) - May cause respiratory illness in people on prolonged exposure. Effect may be more pronounced in people with lung and heart diseases.

Severe (401-500) - May cause respiratory issues in healthy people, and serious health issues in people with lung/heart disease. Difficulties may be experienced even during light physical activity.