According to real time ambient air quality data of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), PM10 readings went up by over 42 times on Sunday from the national ambiance air quality standard at RK Puram. At 10.55pm, PM10 was recorded at 4,273 µg/m³. PM2.5 also touched an alarming high at 748µg/m³ at 2.30am here.
A DPCC official, however, said it was a mechanical error that showed the readings above 4,200µg/m³ at RK Puram. The maximum PM10 reading was recorded at 1am and it touched 1,442µg/m³, he said.
The permissible level of PM 2.5 is 60µg/m³ while PM10 is 100 µg/m³. Levels beyond that can cause harm to the respiratory system as the ultra fine particulates can embed themselves deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK
