International SOS Travel Advisory for Business Travellers Travelling in Cities with Air Pollution

During durations of excessive air air pollution:
People who’re particularly susceptible to well being issues attributable to polluted air, resembling older adults, younger youngsters, these with coronary heart or lung illness, together with bronchial asthma, ought to take into account suspending journey till circumstances have improved.

Be conscious that disruption to air journey is probably going throughout instances of poor visibility. Seek itinerary-specific recommendation previous to journey.

People in affected areas, particularly older adults, younger youngsters, and people with coronary heart or lung illness, are suggested to:

• verify air high quality measurements, if obtainable
• observe the recommendation of native authorities.
• decrease time outdoor.
• cut back bodily exertion.
• hold home windows and doorways closed.
• think about using an air cleansing gadget.
• use air conditioners in ‘recirculate’ mode.
• take into account avoiding heavy site visitors areas.

· think about using a respirator (N95 masks) whereas outdoor (seek the advice of your physician for a person advice). N95 respirators will present some safety towards inhaling small particles, although they don’t defend towards noxious gases.

· seek the advice of your medical practitioner in case you expertise signs.

· if very excessive ranges of air pollution are prone to persist for a while, take into account quickly relocating to an space with higher air high quality if private circumstances allow.

Background
Air air pollution is likely one of the main environmental issues in the nation. Major cities resembling New Delhi expertise excessive ranges of air air pollution on an ongoing foundation. The most important pollutant is okay particulate matter (PM2.5) from transport sources. Non-vehicular sources of air pollution embody the burning of building mud, refuse and tyres in Delhi and surrounding states. New Delhi is likely one of the most polluted cities in the world. On a median PM2.5 is at the very least 15 instances greater than the WHO air high quality pointers.

In different elements of India, progress in many sectors together with industries, transportation, energy technology and building have led to deterioration in air high quality.

Seasonality

Pollution is seen to rise in the northern elements throughout the winter months, from November to January annually.
The air high quality begins to say no round early October attributable to agricultural burning in neighboring areas resembling Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This provides to the air air pollution attributable to vehicular and industrial emissions. Additionally, the AQI deteriorates additional after “Diwali” pageant which falls throughout October/November. Extensive use of fireworks vastly impacts air high quality yearly.

All these components contribute to haze in Delhi and NCR, significantly throughout the colder months. Haze persists all through the winter which usually begins in mid-November and lasts till late February.

Monitoring air air pollution

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment and Forest displays and controls the standard of air nationally. Real time air high quality knowledge is revealed hourly throughout a number of monitoring stations nationwide. Forecasts should not revealed. A each day AQI Bulletin can also be revealed. The air high quality index (AQI) scale adopted by CPCB known as the National Air Quality Index (NAQI). Pollutants measured are particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3) and lead (Pb). A Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi and NCR is accessible.

SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research),, Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India – displays air high quality throughout a couple of Indian cities – Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. Air high quality experiences embody the present standing and forecasts (One and three days in advance). It additionally contains data on climate and UV radiation (for Mumbai and Pune). Pollutants monitored embody PM2.5, PM10, ozone, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. The SAFAR AQI scale intently resembles NAQI.

The U.S Embassy’s air air pollution monitor measures air high quality across the Embassy premises of New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.Data is displayed utilizing the Air Quality Index.. Only PM2.5 is measured and readings are transformed to AQI. Mission India launched a brand new class titled “Beyond Index” for AQI readings above 500. This just isn’t included in the EPA’s AQI scale and EPA doesn’t present any well being recommendation for these ranges.

The National Air Quality Index (AQI)