The Colombo air quality index (AQI) has risen even further to unhealthily high levels.
According to the National Building Research Organization, the AQI in many Sri Lankan cities ranges from 150 to 200, which is an unhealthy level.
– What is the AQI?
The AQI provides information on how clean or filthy the air is where you live as well as any health risks associated with breathing outdoor air.
The AQI accounts for five of the principal air contaminants. Ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide are some of these contaminants.
How to safeguard oneself against dangerous or unhealthy air pollution:
There are various steps you may take to safeguard yourself if the air quality in your neighborhood is deteriorating. Children and older individuals who are, generally speaking, more vulnerable should receive special attention, as well as those who have compromised respiratory, lung, or heart health.
People with compromised health are advised to avoid extended outdoor work or activity if the air quality is in the unhealthy or red range (151-200). Everyone else who is healthy should cut back on their time spent outside.
Definitions of each AQI category:
Good (Green): An AQI of 0–50 indicates that there is little to no risk to human health from the air.
Moderate (Yellow): 51–100 AQI denotes tolerable air quality, although depending on the type of airborne contaminants, certain people who are sensitive to pollution or have breathing problems may have negative consequences.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange): 101-150 indicates that there is a risk to the health of young children, senior citizens, and persons with lung and heart disease. Health risks are unlikely to affect the general healthy population.
Unhealthy (Red): An AQI of 151-200 is deemed unhealthy, and anyone could suffer health-related consequences as a result of air pollution.
Everyone’s health is seriously at risk when the AQI is Very Unhealthy (Purple), and you may get a health alert on your phone or weather app.
Hazardous (Maroon): An emergency or evacuation warning would probably be issued if the AQI reached 300 or higher.
