Deadly smog smothers New Delhi, posing grave health risks

Pollution in India’s capital is stuck at extremely dangerous levels, at a time of year when such events are becoming all too common. At times, just breathing in the outside air is equivalent to smoking 45 cigarettes per day. 

Smog from stubborn late fall weather patterns, agricultural fires, factories, power plants, and vehicles typically peaks in New Delhi at this time. But this year, it’s back with a vengeance. 

The thick blanket of smog has been visible from space for days, smothering the northern part of the country in a milky haze. It’s a deadly mixture of smoke, fog, and pollution, and it is forcing officials to take drastic measures — from closing schools to banning vehicles from roadways — in order to improve the air quality. Read more…

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