Former president of Indian Medical Association (IMA) KK Agarwal has said that poor air quality of Delhi is a serious concern and added that cricket matches and marathons should not be organised in such condition.
His comment came ahead of Delhi Half Marathon, which is slated to be held on October 21.
Speaking to ANI, Agarwal said, "If pollution level is more than 100 then a marathon should not take place, and if it takes place, every person should be told that participating in marathon could be risky for their lungs and heart. Marathon organizers should put it clearly that pollution level is so much and you are participating at your own risk."
"Cricket matches and marathons are risky when pollution levels are more than 100," he added.
Taking note of the rising air pollution in the city, the Heart Care Foundation of India has also appealed to the organisers of the sports event to take into consideration the air quality at the time of the Delhi half marathon so that no runner suffers any adverse health effects on account of exposure to hazardous levels of air pollution.
The foundation has also called for the postponement of the Delhi Half Marathon till the air quality becomes better.