New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS): The air quality in Delhi-NCR continued to remain in the 'severe' category on Saturday, though at some stations the Air Quality Index (AQI) improved slightly but remained in the 'severe' category.

In the national capital, the AQI at Anand Vihar remained in the ‘severe' category with PM 10 and PM 2.5 at 500. The NO2 was recorded at 95 and CO at 102 under 'moderate' category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

At Bawana, the PM 2.5 reached 500 under 'severe' category while PM 10 was at 472 also under 'severe' category. The CO was recorded at 95 and NO2 at 50, both in 'satisfactory' levels.

The station at Delhi Technical University (DTU) recorded PM 10 at 476 (‘severe'), while PM 2.5 was at 372 (‘very poor’) and CO at 105, while NO2 was at 102, both under moderate category.

The air quality at the IGI Airport area was in 'severe' category with PM 2.5 at 484 and PM 10 at 439, while the CO reached 102 ('moderate') and NO2 touched 43 ('satisfactory').

The PM 2.5 at ITO was recorded at 428, putting it in the 'severe' category while PM 10 reached 325, placing it under 'severe' category. The NO2 was at 119 ('moderate') and CO was recorded at 95 ('satisfactory') on Saturday.

At Lodhi Road, the AQI with PM 2.5 concentration was at 416 under the 'severe' category, while PM 10 was at 407 ('severe') and CO at 123.

"With the increasing air pollution, we are mainly facing allergic and respiratory problems. Allergic problems like watering of the eye, body sensation in the eye, heaviness in the eye, natural discharges, mental confusion, dizziness, mild headache, irritability and lack of interest in work," said Dr. Swapnil Brajpuriya, Sr. Consultant & Head - ENT, Asian Hospital.

"The second problem is respiratory problems. They are increasing with the increase in air pollution like, asthma, bronchitis. They may get activated and they may even lead to infection and fever. The number of OPD patients and the hospitalisation are increasing with the increasing air pollution," he said.