By midday on Tuesday, almost all stations across Delhi were showing air quality in the ‘severe’ range (Air Quality Index: 400-500), which is the most hazardous. Air quality this poor affects not just people with existing medical problems but also those who are healthy. Air pollutants trigger allergies, cough, viral fever, lung infections, high blood pressure, asthma, anxiety, tiredness, diabetes, heart disease and irreversible lung damage. “The health advisory for the air quality index prescribes minimal outdoor exposure at times of high pollution,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, associate director at the Centre for Science and Environment. Though the IMA has called for the cancellation of the November 19 race due to high air pollution levels, organisers Procam International termed the demand as “shortsighted” and said they have the support of international athletes.

Source: Hindustan Times November 07, 2017 09:45 UTC