Agra: The air quality in several cities of Uttar Pradesh remained “severe” and more polluted than the national capital region on Sunday. Out of nine most polluted cities in the country with AQI of over 400, seven were from the state.According to air quality monitoring data released by the Central Pollution Control Board, the pollution levels in seven cities in UP – Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Noida, Hapur and Muzaffarnagar – crossed the “alarming level” of 400, which means that exposure to such air may affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing respiratory diseases.Faridabad (Haryana) recorded the poorest air quality with 461 PM 2.5, followed by Noida with an AQI of 445, Bagpath and Ghaziabad (440), Greater Noida (436), Bulandshahr (434), Muzaffarnagar (411), Delhi (405) and Hapur (401).In a slightly positive development, Agra’s air quality, however, moved from “severe” to “very poor” category, but just one notch away from the alarming level as the AQI was recorded 399 in the Taj city.An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, which means minimal impact, 51 and 100 “satisfactory" that means minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people, 101 and 200 “moderate” which means breathing discomfort to the people with lungs, asthma and heart diseases.An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered “poor” (breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure), 301 and 400 "very poor” (respiratory illness on prolonged exposure), and 401 and 500 “severe” (affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases).According to a senior pediatrician, Dr JP Tandon, children, elderly and those with respiratory ailments like asthma suffer the most. He advised them to remain indoors and take special care of them.

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