indiaUpdated: Nov 16, 2020, 08:23 ISTDespite Tamil Nadu not banning firecrackers and restricting bursting of fireworks to 2-hours on Diwali day--which was flouted-- Chennai’s air pollution and noise has declined compared to 2019, according to observations made by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). As of November 14, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) labelled Chennai’s air quality as ‘satisfactory’ with prominent pollutants being PM 10, PM 2.5 and CO while Delhi was categorized as ‘severe’. Four parameters--PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2-- are monitored to assess the air quality index or AQI. Studies have shown a link between poor air quality and lowered ability to recover from the coronavirus. In 2019, a week before Diwali on October 20, the highest value was recorded in the same location at 81.

Source: Hindustan Times November 16, 2020 02:53 UTC