Diesel vehicles account for nearly 30% of all new car sales and while Delhi government levies a diesel cess on leach liter of the fuel, it needs to come up with a better air quality management plan. It is especially important to ensure such a problem doesn’t come up during the Commonwealth Games when it can cause serious harm to the health of athletes.
The study analyzed data from three stations — Siri Fort, ITO and DCE in Bawana from January to May 17, 2009. In reaction to increase in temperature, ozone levels crossed the proposed standard more frequently in summer than in January. In April, the violation took place at DCE and ITO on nearly all days.
ITO levels have been very high between May 1 and May 9, ranging between 120-192 microgram/cu m. The peak levels recorded have been very high. The maximum level in Siri Fort went up to 199 microgram/cu m on March 22 while ITO saw a high of 192 microgram/cu m on May 1. Ozone formed in the city is known to drift to the periphery. Consequently, Bawana has been recording high levels since February, when the safe limit was breached almost every second day.
Ozone is a powerful oxidizer and can damage cells irrevocably. It can worsen asthma and can cause serious damage to the lungs. Chest pain, coughing, nausea, headaches and chest congestion are other common symptoms. International studies have also found a strong association between ozone and daily premature death counts. – The Times of India
toireporter@timesgroup.com
