Pune’s air quality in ‘poor’ category, cold weather and firecrackers raise concerns

Pune’s air quality has deteriorated with the onset of winter. On Saturday, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 205, which falls in the ‘poor’ category. This is the first time the AQI has dropped to this level in Pune after Diwali. Experts have attributed this drop to winter, the increasing trend of burning bonfires, and the use of firecrackers during election celebrations on Sunday morning.

Effect of cold weather and temperature inversion

The problem of pollution with winter is further aggravated by temperature inversion. This is a common winter weather phenomenon, in which cold air near the surface gets trapped under a layer of warm air. Due to this, pollutant particles are unable to rise and get concentrated near the surface. Due to this, smog and smoke can be clearly seen in the atmosphere.

During the day, when the temperature rises, the inversion layer breaks down and pollutants spread in the air, but at night, cold and low wind speed increase pollution even more.

Causes of poor air quality

• Bonfires: Due to the cold, people started lighting bonfires, which increased the amount of particulate matter (PM) in the air.
• Election celebrations: Fireworks burnt during election celebrations on Sunday morning increased pollution.
• Cold weather: Due to low minimum temperature, pollutant particles got trapped near the ground, causing a layer of smog and smoke in the city.

Health effects and precautions

Health experts have advised to be cautious after the AQI reached the ‘poor’ category. Especially the elderly, children and people suffering from respiratory diseases have been advised to avoid going out in the morning and night.

Tips:

• Use N95 masks.
• Use air purifiers indoors.
• Drink more water and eat nutritious food.
• Limit outdoor activities in the morning and evening.

Way forward

Experts believe that the increase in temperature during the day may lead to a slight improvement in air quality. However, the mix of cold and pollution may affect the city’s air in the coming days as well. The administration has appealed to citizens to use clean energy options and adopt eco-friendly ways to celebrate.

Importance and classification of AQI

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a parameter that expresses air pollution in simple terms. It is divided into six categories:

• Good (0-50)
• Satisfactory (51-100)
• Moderate (101-200)
• Poor (201-300)
• Very poor (301-400)
• Severe (401-500)

Pune’s current AQI of 205 is in the ‘poor’ category, which is due to the high amount of fine particles like PM2.5 and PM10. This can cause breathing problems and other health problems.

Conclusion

This dangerous mix of cold and pollution in Pune is becoming a serious challenge for health. In such a situation, citizens and the administration will have to work together to reduce its impact.