New Delhi: Three out of four households in Delhi-NCR are facing health issues such as sore throat and cough to burning eyes, headaches and disturbed sleep owing to the adverse effects of toxic air, an online survey by citizen engagement platform LocalCircles has revealed.

According to the survey, an analysis of data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed that after Diwali, PM 2.5 levels have touched 488 micrograms per cubic metre, reported Press Trust of India. This figure is the highest in five years and over three times the pre-festival level of 156.6 micrograms per cubic metre. The pollution levels soared during the Diwali night on October 20 and the early next morning.

The survey by LocalCircles is based on over 44,000 responses from residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.

The survey revealed that 42% of the households reported that one or more members had sore throat or cough, while 25% said that family members were suffering from conditions such as burning eyes, headaches or difficulty sleeping.

Around 17% of the respondents reported breathing difficulties or aggravated asthma.

Data from the CPCB indicates that Delhi’s overall AQI on Saturday (October 25) morning stood in the “poor” category at 261, while a day ago it was 290. Anand Vihar recorded a “severe” AQI of 415, the highest among all monitoring stations.

According to the LocalCircles survey, 44% of households were trying to reduce outdoor exposure and increase intake of immunity-boosting foods and drinks to cope with poor air quality.

Around one-third of respondents said they had either consulted or planned to consult doctors for pollution-related ailments.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) had crossed 400 in several areas in Delhi, which is around 24 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) recommended level for PM2.5 exposure, reported PTI.

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