On 13th November 2024, Delhi woke up with a new morning and a new thick blanket of mystery. Everyone is wearing summer clothes and the maximum temperature is around 31˚C. The question arises what is it Delhi fog or smog? Is it air pollution or is it fog due to winter’s arrival?
The thick layer in the air is so dense that a few flights coming to Delhi have diverted. It happened because of the poor visibility. Not just this, many residents in Delhi have tweeted about their sudden health issues. Since, they are facing discomfort, sore throats, itchy eyes, breathing difficulties etc. It is becoming a nightmare for individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Here let us know is it Delhi fog or smog!
What’s in Delhi’s Air: Smog or fog?
The sudden mystery blanket over Delhi NCR can also confirmed by checking what it is. So here let us know what is the air quality condition in the city. With it, also know the difference between fog and smog! Firstly check the air quality in Delhi to confirm it is smog or fog!
Before and during Fog AQI:
12th November: Yesterday, AQI of 130 at 5:00 PM was in the “Poor” category. The air was a little better and no issue of fog or smog.
After 5:00 PM AQI levels started increasing continuously. Till midnight, the levels reached 467 and were in the “Hazardous” category.
The next morning: the 13th morning everyone was shocked by the sudden feel of winter. But in reality, AQI reached 531 in the “Hazardous” category at 9:00 AM. All over, the fog or smog blanket was covered.
How you can differentiate whether it is fog or smog?
The feel of winter when everyone is covered in warm clothes makes it clear it is winter. But how to demonstrate this situation? No one is feeling cold or still wearing summer clothes but the air is showing fog!
Fog in Delhi
Fog is a natural phenomenon of weather that happens in Delhi when the air gets moisture through tiny water droplets. It only happens during cooler days. The fog is most harmless but it affects the visibility.
Fog is odourless, but you might experience some breathing issues. Covering your nose and warm places can help.
Smog in Delhi
On the other hand, smog is not just fog. It is a mixture of harmful and toxic pollutants and particles. It makes the air heavier to breathe which results in breathing difficulties. Sometimes, winter and pollution conditions can result in severe smog episodes in Delhi.
a. You can tell the difference between smog and fog just by the health issues, such as:
b. After short-term exposure, you are experiencing coughing or wheezing.
c. You are facing difficulty in breathing or your air feels heavy.
d. Sometimes, you can get eye problems like itchiness, and irritation.
f. If you are seeing stuffiness or itchiness in the chest or nose while breathing.
These conditions happen when the air is full of smog. Long-term exposure can lead to severe health issues. This condition is a living hell for individuals with asthma or other breathing disorders.
What to do in the current Delhi Fog or Smog conditions?
Take control in your hands when AQI levels increase and smog conditions persist. Already, Delhi is experiencing long-term air pollution exposure and now smog conditions can make your health worse. Here are some easy safety tips to protect yourself from the Delhi fog or smog:
1. Don’t step out:
Smog is outdoor pollution, thus try to stay indoors as much as possible. Just like today, Don’t go outside without any emergency. Especially, asthmatic and individuals with breathing problems should take proper precautions.
2. Make indoor air better:
Staying indoors is not enough to protect yourself against Delhi smog or fog. Because indoor air quality can be more polluted than outdoor air. Thus, use an air purifier indoors to make the air clean and breathable.
3. Always wear an N95 mask:
No mask, no outside. Use an effective mask such as an N95 pollution mask to protect yourself from air pollution exposure. It helps in removing the pollutants from the air you breathe.
4. Eat healthy and stay hydrated:
Many studies say, staying hydrated can help in reducing the inflammation in the body due to air pollution. With it, healthy food can support your immune system. So make sure of what you are eating in pollution and smog situations.
5. Always seek medical assistance:
Asthmatic individuals or sensitive groups must seek immediate medical support in the pollution or smog episodes.
6. Keep an eye on the air as well:
Check the fog or smog conditions yourself. You can confirm it by checking the air quality conditions in your area. For it, continuously monitor the air quality around you.
Do not let this mysterious Delhi fog or smog control your life. Take your actions now to breathe healthy and easily in Delhi winter pollution. Stay safe and healthy in air pollution in Delhi with AQI this winter.
