New Delhi: With particulate matter (PM) 2.5 concentrations averaging 488 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) in the national capital post Diwali, city doctors on Tuesday reported a rise in cases of respiratory issues, eye irritation, flu as well as joint pain among others.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR remained in the ‘very poor’ category, reaching 400 a day after Diwali festivities.

While the overall AQI stood at 347, several areas recorded levels in the ‘severe’ category.

“High pollution levels can worsen joint disease. Pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can aggravate pain, stiffness, and fatigue in people wi

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