The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) proved to be dangerously high following the celebration of Diwali, or the “festival of lights.” ( Manish Swarup / Associated Press )The air pollution soared to 20 times safe levels. Pollution levels have historically tripled or quadrupled overnight, making Diwali peak date of the year for pollution. India is infamous for its pollution, rivalling China as the greatest polluter of greenhouse gases and particulate matter by gross domestic product. This latest pollution episode comes ten days after the World Health Organization released a report concluding that 93 percent of children worldwide breathe toxic air daily. The chilling findings link the toxic gases we release to “lower cognitive test outcomes,” compromised “mental and motor development,” and issues with “neurodevelopment” as well.

Source: thestar November 08, 2018 18:22 UTC