Parts of city, suburbs witness poor air quality

Mumbai: Air quality in different parts of the city fell to “poor” on Thursday. According to the air quality index (AQI) by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) was the most polluted with PM2.5 (atmospheric particulate matter) recording 294. PM2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers which tends to stay longer in the air than heavier particles, increasing the chances of human beings and animals inhaling it into their bodies. IITM scientists are attributing this to the dip in temperature with onset of winter.

Mazagaon, Borivali and Navi Mumbai also fell under the “poor” category with a higher PM2.5. The city’s overall AQI was recorded as 166 on Thursday, which falls in the “moderate” category. While air quality is acceptable, there may be moderate heath concerns like coughing or shortness of breath for people sensitive to air pollution. “Due to a fall in temperature with onset of winter, along with higher percentage of humidity, pollutants remain longer in the air. This is expected to change in the next few days if the temperature rises,” said Gufran Beig, program director, SAFAR.

On Tuesday too, the city recorded an AQI of 202, which again falls under the “poor” category. According to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board officials, dust particles from roads and construction, and pollution from traffic are the two major sources of pollution. “In Mumbai, PM10 indicates pollution from dust particles on roads and from construction work while PM2.5 indicates pollution from vehicles. However, according to the air monitoring system of MPCB, air quality of the city is moderate and there is no panic situation in terms of air pollution,” said S.C. Kollur, senior scientific officer, MPCB.

An AQI of 151 was recorded on November 10, which officials attributed to increase in number of vehicles on Friday, as many vehicles are spotted going in and out of the city.