Docs sound caution over dip in mercury,pollution

While activists say these figures are alarming,Delhi government officials said smog was a regular phenomenon that follows the dip in temperature and was not related to pollution levels. A senior DPCC official said,“The haze or smog is a common annual weather phenomenon and not related to air pollution.”

Senior weather scientists said though the haze might have been triggered by conditions like cyclone Nilam,pollution was definitely a contributing factor.

A senior Met official said,“The haze on Friday occurred due to a combination of weather factors such as fall in temperature and humidity levels,light winds and induction,among others. This year,cyclone Nilam and an increase in moisture in the northern states has triggered the haze. High pollution and smoke levels added to the haze.”

Anumita Roy Choudhary,an environmental scientist at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE),said,“If pollution levels in a city are already eight to 10 times above recommended levels,peak pollution levels usually seen in January can be enormous.”

Experts said pollution levels are likely to rise during Diwali.

Doctors said the conditions could lead to an increase in patients reporting respiratory and cardiovascular problems over the next few days.

Dr M S Kanwar,senior consultant in respiratory medicine in Apollo Hospital said: “Since there is a thick smog and no lateral air drift,disease-causing microbes,toxic substances and air pollutants are trapped. Since people inhale these,the possibility of getting bronchial diseases and nasal infections go up. Allergic reactions from pollen and other allergens also increase during this time.”