Delhi declares a pollution emergency as toxic smog closes schools
New Delhi — The Indian capital declared a pollution emergency on Thursday as toxic smog hung over the city for a third day and air quality worsened by the hour. Illegal crop burning in the farm states surrounding New Delhi, vehicle exhaust emissions in a city with limited public transport, and swirling construction dust have caused the crisis, which arises every year. The problem has been compounded this year by still conditions, the weather office said. A US embassy measure of tiny particulate matter PM 2.5 showed a reading of 608 at 10am when the safe limit is 50. An hour before it was 591. PM 2.5 is particulate matter about 30 times finer than a human hair. The particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases. Residents complained of headaches, coughs and smarting eyes. "Waking up with a headache, breathlessness and throat irritation every day," Bhavani Giddu wrote on Twitter. Many people stayed home and restaurant...
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