New Delhi, Feb 17: The air quality in Delhi remained in the "poor" category on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 259 around 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This represents a slight deterioration from the previous day, when the AQI stood at 214 at the same time.

Several monitoring stations across the city showed concerning levels of pollution. Areas such as Nehru Nagar (257), Dwarka (234), India Gate and Kartavya Path (235), ITO Delhi (236), and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (265) were all categorized as "Poor".

Additionally, a number of locations experienced a sharp spike in pollution levels, pushing them into the "Very Poor" category. Areas like Mundka (AQI 328), Anand Vihar (319), Bawana (321), Rohini (340), Jahangirpuri (331), Ashok Vihar (337), Burari (345), Vivek Vihar (321), and Chandni Chowk (302) all reported dangerous air quality levels.

According to the CPCB, the AQI ranges from 0 to 500 and is classified into six categories based on pollution levels and associated health risks:

0-50 (Good): Minimal or no health impact.

51-100 (Satisfactory): Air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions may experience slight discomfort.

101-200 (Moderate): Rising pollution levels can trigger respiratory issues for those with asthma, lung, or heart conditions.

201-300 (Poor): Prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort for most individuals, not just those with pre-existing health conditions.

301-400 (Very Poor): Risk of respiratory illnesses for even healthy individuals with prolonged exposure.

401-500 (Severe): Air quality becomes dangerous for everyone, posing serious health risks.

Residents are advised to take precautions, especially in areas where air quality has deteriorated to "Very Poor" levels.