Visakhapatnam: Air quality drops against standard value

Visakhapatnam: As part of its annual exercise, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) monitored air quality at nine locations and noise level at six locations in Visakhapatnam on the Diwali day.

According to the APPCB officials, PM2.5 (particulate matter) value increased to 5 percent to 100 percent against the standard (60). At Gnananpuram, PM 2.5 recorded 127, Seethammadhara 109 followed by ESI hospital 46.

However, PM10 value increased by 3 percent to 150 percent against the standard value 100. Gnanapuram topped the charts in this parameter as well, recording 270. APPCB officials said that SO2 and NO2 levels that emanate while bursting crackers did not reach danger levels.

When it comes to sound pollution, maximum level is 90 decibel. But in some areas like Kurupam market, the decibels recorded 116, RTC complex and Pandurangapuram 103. Pollution control board officials said that there was an increase of 26 percent against the standard decibels.