Indoor Air Quality in Delhi Schools Very Bad, Says Green Body

New Delhi: Children across the country are at risk due to air pollution both indoors and outdoors, a green body has said while calling for preventive steps to tackle the public health crisis arising out of the increasing air pollution.

Releasing a survey on indoor air quality in Delhi schools, Greenpeace India said that the pollution levels were found to be five times more than the safety limits.

According to data released by the organisation from the 24-hour monitoring of indoor air quality for over seven days in seven schools across the city, the PM2.5 levels were found to be five times over Indian safety limits and as much as 11 times that of the World Health Organisation's safety limits.

Readings were taken from the monitors left inside classrooms, Greenpeace India Campaigner, Sunil Dahiya said.

"The study highlights both, the need for more comprehensive data on air quality, as well as proactive response protocols that enable people to take adequate preventions to protect their health," he said.

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The body said health advisories and response protocols should be issued by the government on the basis of Air Quality Index, which should be expanded to other cities as well.

"The availability of reliable, real time data via the National Air Quality Index is a critical first step, and must be followed by clear health advisories and response protocols."

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"While restricting outdoor activities can be a standalone step for now, this practice must be expanded to include other advice and precautionary measures by the government, as well as expanding it across the country via an enhanced National Air Quality Index (NAQI) platform," Mr Dahiya said.