The air quality in Delhi before Delhi has already reached beyond the 200 mark. The threshold is considered as 'poor'. The real-time Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 5.30am today was 233. Multiple areas in Delhi already recorded AQI above 300, categorizing it into 'very poor'. How Is AQI Read?0 to 50 - Good51 to 100 - Satisfactory 101 to 200 - Moderately Polluted 201 to 300 - Poor 301 to 400 - Very Poor401 to 500 - SevereAnand Vihar recorded 399 at AQI, while Dwarka Sector 8 was at 338, and Mathura Road at 311.Also Read: 6 Warning Signs In Your Mouth That May Point To Heart Problems The air quality is already worsening even before Diwali, this poses a risk for anyone who steps out. So, is there any right time to step out?Dr Vivek Nangia, a Gurugram-based pulmonologist and a member of DocTube says that pollution levels tend to be slightly lower in the afternoon. PM2.5 air pollution is highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon. As per a 2023 study by an air filter brand, Delhi's air pollution peaked at 9AM and gradually improved as the day progressed. On an average, Delhi sees roughly as half as much PM2.5 by 5PM. Similarly, in Kolkata, the pollution peaks at 8am and is lowered by 4PM. In Mumbai, the peak comes at 9am and is improved by 4pm. In the case of Chennai and Hyderabad, the peak comes at 8am with Pm2.5 at the lowest at 3pm or by noon."However, it is vital to wear well-fitted masks," says the doctor. Can You Step Out In The Evening?Noon is when the sun is at its peak, it heats the ground and causes warm air to rise and mix with the atmosphere. This helps to disperse pollutants. However, at night, the ground cools down and leads to a temperature inversion. This means that air neat ground becomes colder than the air above it, trapping pollutants close to the surface.Also Read: World Spine Day 2025: Theme, Significance, And OriginHow Can You Protect Yourself When You Step Out?Choose the correct mask, experts suggest that we go with N99 and N100 masks, which provide higher filtration. They are more efficient than N95 masks. Dr Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director and HOD, Chest & Respiratory Diseases at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital explains that preferably N95 should be considered as normal surgical masks do not prevent you from getting exposed to smaller pollutants including PM2.5 particles which may directly enter your airways and may diffuse into the blood and affect all organs of body.If you must step out, choose the afternoon time, as it is when the pollution is at its lowest. To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses, use lubricating eye drops, stay indoors and keep the windows closed, practice eye hygiene and invest in an air purifier.For your skin, cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting it with sunscreen. You must include antioxidants in your diet and may consider detoxifying treatments.Continue to check AQI forecasts near your area and keep a note of it to know when to avoid going out. Unless it is absolutely necessary, only then step out.You can naturally cleanse your nasal passage and lungs by taking a steam, practicing control coughing, drinking green tea, consuming anti-inflammatory food items, and by consuming honey. You can also try Yoga to improve your breathing and cleanse your lungs.
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