If you're living in Delhi, you're already aware that the air quality is harmful to your health. But just how harmful is it and is it the same throughout the year? Muzaffar Izamuddin, Design Manager, Environmental Care at Dyson, explains the seasonal change in air quality, the relevance of AQI, and tips to maintain a healthy environment at home:
Summer
Summer is a popular time for home renovations, but the colorless gas formaldehyde can be released from certain types of furniture, insulating materials, paints, and varnishes. Some air conditioners remove humidity from the air as a natural byproduct of cooling, affecting home comfort. Increasing heat and increased vehicle emissions accelerate ozone buildup in the summer, potentially violating ozone standards.
Autumn
We spend more time indoors due to the cold weather and short days. Because modern homes are well-sealed, indoor pollutants from activities such as cooking and cleaning can accumulate. Autumn also gives rise to the ragweed plant, which can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains per day, easily attaching to things like hair, shoes, and clothing and potentially causing seasonal allergies. Autumn allergens, dust mites, and wildfire smoke are all serious concerns for air quality that affect everyone3.
Winter
In the colder months, cold air can become trapped beneath warm air, a process known as temperature inversion. The warm air above the cooler air acts as a lid, suppressing vertical air mixing, allowing emitted pollutants to become trapped near the ground and contributing to poor air quality. Seasonal temperature drops, smoke from stubble burning, Diwali firecrackers, festive cooking, and driving rather than walking due to colder weather increase exposure levels and trap pollution throughout India. Central heating and cooling can reduce the amount of moisture in the air, lowering humidity levels and affecting indoor comfort and wellbeing4.
