Triggering health concerns Delhi’s ‘hazardous’ smog possibly affects Colombo

• Situation to improve soon
• Index level between 151 to 200 indicates possible health effects

By Yohan Perera Sheain Fernandopulle 

The deterioration in air quality level could have been caused by pollution in New Delhi which had been categorised as ‘hazardous,’ the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) said yesterday. 

NBRO Senior Scientist Sarath Premasiri said Sri  Lanka may have been affected by pollution in New Delhi which had been categorised as hazardous.  Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said air quality in Colombo deteriorated with the rise of pollution level thereby triggering health concerns among people. However, the situation would improve soon, it said.  

DMC Spokesman Pradeep Kodippily told Daily Mirror that the Central Environment Authority (CEA) had informed them that content of particulates increased as of yesterday.  The DMC, CEA, NBRO, Environment Police and other organisations held discussions yesterday to examine the situation. They determined that content of gasses and dust particles could reduce today.  He said there was no need to fear as it had been determined that the situation could improve from today. 

DMC said those who were suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma should be careful.  The CEA said the rise of air pollution in Colombo had been recorded in the air quality monitoring machine installed in Battaramulla,. At the same time, the US Embassy’s Air Quality Monitor in Colombo indicated unhealthy values with 167 Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded by 10 p.m. on Tuesday. “The index level between 151 and 200 indicates possible health effects for everyone,” it said.   Meanwhile, CEA Deputy Director of Laboratory Services, Kamal Priyantha said the machine in Battaramulla was operational since June this year. “We collect data from the machine daily. However, it takes time to analyse data. The reason for the level of air quality to be unhealthy is unknown. However, relevant authorities are planning to monitor the dangerous particulate matter (PM) in air below 10 from June 5 to coincide with World Environment Day. Particulate matter 10 contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled. They are injurious to health. Some particles, less than 10 micrometers in diameter, can get deep into a person’s lungs and some may even get into his or her bloodstream. The CEA introduced a colour code system. Besides, there are mobile monitors countrywide,” Mr. Priyantha said.   

• No need to fear as it has been determined as the situation could start improving from today
• Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into a person’s lungs