Fri Dec 20 04:09:22 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes on Severe Air Pollution for Fifth Straight Day
**New Delhi, December 20, 2024** – Delhi’s air quality remained in the “severe” category for the fifth consecutive day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 433 at 9 a.m. on Friday, exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe limit by more than 17 times. PM2.5 levels were recorded at 255.3 micrograms per cubic meter, far surpassing the WHO’s recommended 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
This severe air pollution is impacting the health of Delhi residents, with the CPCB noting that it affects healthy individuals and seriously impacts those with pre-existing conditions. Many other cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and northern India also experienced “very poor” air quality. The alarming situation comes after a period of relatively good air quality in the first half of December. Citizens were seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the hazardous air.
First Piper 