Explained: Why Mumbai Saw The Recent Air Pollution
Mumbai has been recently experiencing abnormally high levels of pollution, with its air quality index (AQI) routinely exceeding 300, and at times matching Delhi's AQI.
An AQI of 301 to 400 is classified as 'red' or 'very poor.' On Sunday, the AQI in Mumbai reached 316, with 318 on Monday and 320 on Tuesday morning.
The AQI in Mazgaon, the city's most polluted region, soared to 495, putting it in the 'severe' category. According to the Ministry of Earth Science's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research, the total AQI was in the 'very poor' category at 1.30 p.m., worse than Delhi, Pune, and Ahmedabad (SAFAR).
The air quality index (AQI) is a single value generated from the average of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. The higher the AQI, the more polluted the air is and the more acute the health risk.
What is the source of Mumbai's rising pollution level?
According to SAFAR, the present high pollution levels are attributed to the city's second dust storm in less than two weeks. On February 3, a storm formed over Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Rajasthan's border areas. A cyclone from the Middle East delivered dust and smog to northern Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan last month.
Low daytime temperatures, light, low-speed breezes, high relative humidity, and air coldness all contribute to the foul air over the city. The minimum temperature dropped from 19.4 degrees Celsius on Monday to 17.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday over the last 24 hours.
The foul air is periodically cleared out by a strong sea breeze in Mumbai, a windswept coastal metropolis. Low wind speeds in recent months, however, have prevented local pollutants from being adequately dispersed over the city.
How long can this situation last?
Air quality will improve somewhat to the 'bad' category — i.e., an AQI of 201-300 — during the next two days, according to SAFAR, which maintains ten air quality monitoring stations throughout the city.
According to SAFAR's 24-hour air quality estimate, the AQI in Mumbai on Wednesday would likely be 312 — 'extremely poor'. If the wind picks up, Mumbai residents should be able to sense the difference in the air.
What precautionary measures could be taken in the meantime?
A standard health alert for various phases of air pollution can be found, among other places, on the SAFAR website.
Residents of Mumbai have been urged by SAFAR to avoid going outside in the early mornings and late at night. All outside physical activity should be avoided by sensitive or susceptible populations, and they should be moved inside whenever possible.
Asthmatics should carry relief medication with them at all times. When they go outside, they should put on N-95 or P-100 masks.
To the greatest extent feasible, doors and windows should be kept shut. And rather than vacuuming, wet mopping should be preferred.
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