Scientists from System of Air quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said the Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), which directly affects breathing, has gone up by five times from the national ambiance air quality standard.
Government-run Delhi Pollution Control Committee chose not to comment on SAFAR's findings but only said the pollution level was much less compared to Diwali last year.
"As compared to last week, PM2.5 and PM10 have shown higher values than prescribed standards. However, this concentration is in tandem with values observed in pre Diwali in the previous years. No significant changes were observed and the same trend was observed in the gaseous pollutants," said Sanjeev Kumar, Environment Secretary.
The noise pollution levels, according to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), showed an upward trend in various areas including in Dwarka, Bawana and and Dilshad Garden which recorded higher noise level of up to 66 dB(A). Last Diwali, the maximum noise level in these areas were 62 dB(A).
"These pollutants can harm the heart and brain as well. People with existing heart or lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart disease, or ischemic heart disease are at increased risk of admission to hospitals based on the severity of already existing problem," he said.