Humans are Eight percent Virus : Viral Genes in Human DNA

Yes, you heard it right. Human DNA has traces of genetic material of some ancient Viruses. They are part of human genome and it become evident on completion of Human Genome Project. It is really hard to find those genes in human genome as it is like finding a needle in haystack. Previously it was thought they these genes in human body are idle and don't function, but later researchers found that they are there for a purpose and may be helping us to increase our immunity.

How did Virus Genes enter the human genes permanently ?

When a virus infects the human body, it transfers its genetic material into the infected cells and alters the DNA of that cell. But it can't be permanent part of human genome. Researchers believe that millions of years ago some retrovirus infected ancestors of humans and entered sperm cells. When those infected sperm cells were used in fertilization during normal reproductive process, they created an infected offspring which has got those viral genes. In the beginning it must have been like some inborn disease, but as generations progressed genetic mutations occur and those genes were altered and shutdown by our immune system. As the time progressed those viral genes spread in whole humanity.

Are those ancient viral genes helping us today ?

Some of these viral genes sits near those human genes which are responsible for immunity. Some more research made scientists believe that those viral genes are improving our immunity and help us fight against infections in a better way. Those genes might be a reason behind survival of human race for so long. Those genes must have helped in evolution of humans.

Some researchers believe that we have got hundreds of genes from bacteria, archaea, fungi, other microorganisms and plants we we have evolved from those forms of life. We are not something directly created. We have evolved from a number of other forms of life and thus contain genetic material from a number of those old species.

Unknown facts about Viral Genes in Human DNA

  • We have got around 100,000 pieces of DNA that come from retroviruses. It means our 5 to 8% DNA is made up of virus genes.
  • Syncytin is a protein which is essential in building placenta in mammals. A viral gene is responsible for creation of this protein. If this gene would not have been there then mammal evolution might have taken some other turn and humans might not have been formed.
  • Hemo is a protein made by a fetus and the placenta. This protein is produced from viral DNA that entered our ancestors’ genomes 100 million years ago. Its usage is still unknown.
  • Viral Genes in Human Genome are the primary reason that we can fight most of the viral infections on our own.
  • Some researchers believe that development of fetus is impossible without viral genes in our body. Some viral proteins are made around fetus for unknown reasons which might be holding some unknown key to fetal development.  

Some researchers feel that viral genes are part of human genome and it will take time to find which one are good and which one are bad. But like everything else it has got two sides of the coin. Some genes might be increasing our immunity but some might be making us prone to killer diseases like cancer.

Facts about DNA Chromosomes and Genes

DNA, Chromosomes and Genes are some fascinating words of biology. Talking about these words gives most of us a feeling of being a scientific person. But the truth is that most of us just study these words during the school days and never know much about them. Here we will tell you some facts about DNA, Chromosomes and Genes that will enlighten you and make you understand the complexity of human body.

  • There are 30 trillion human cells in the body of an average human being. Out of them 84% are RBC (Red Blood Cells).
  • There are 210 different types of cells present in our body. Each type of cells has their own function.
  • Each cell in our body has got a nucleus. There are 23 pairs of Chromosomes in each Nucleus.
  • 22 Pairs of chromosomes are called "autosomes", while the 23rd pair is sex chromosome which is responsible for our gender.
  • In each pair of chromosome, one comes from father and one comes from mother.
  • Chromosomes are differentiated by their size. The number provided to them is based on their size in descending pattern. 
  • Each chromosome has got a DNA inside it, which is a double helix structure.
  • If we unfold the DNA in a single cell and lay it straight then it would be around 2 meters in length.
  • DNA is made up of two backbones and a series of bridges. It gives a look of spiral ladder when seen under a microscope.
  • The backbone of DNA is made up of phosphate and deoxyribose, while the bridges are long thin molecules called nucleotides. There are four different types of nucleotides: adenine (A) , thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These nucleotides are found in pairs and thus known as "base pairs".
  • Only a certain set of nucleotides can make base pairs. A connects with T only and G connects with C only. 
  • A DNA molecule thus contain a number of base pairs in different patterns. It can form millions of patterns.
  • A small set of pattern of nucleotides inside the DNA makes a single Gene. The number of genes inside a DNA depends on the size of chromosome and DNA. According to an estimate by Genome Project there are 20 to 25 thousand genes in each cell. 
Do u know that 
  • Each gene is responsible for some feature of our body. Genes are even responsible for our emotions, diseases and physical capabilities.
  • The genes inside a cell is the software program, which makes the cell (the hardware) develop the protein coded in form of gene.
  • All genes are not active in each type of cell. Only a few set of genes are active in each type of cell which allows it to produce a specific set of proteins and it is known as gene expression.
  • The function of a cell depends on the Gene Expression in that cell, which gives it the shape and functionality.
  • There are 3 billion base pairs in each cell and if we write their code in book then it would need 262,000 pages. Only 500 pages in that book would be unique to a person.
  • 99.9 percent of DNA is same in all humans. Only 0.1 percent makes the difference in our personality, looks, intelligence.
  • Human DNA matches 96% with Chimpanzee , but that 4% makes a lot of difference. Cats and humans are 90% similar genetically. Domestic Cattle are 80% genetically similar to humans. Surprising fact is that Banana and humans have 60% similar DNA.
  • The number of chromosomes found in a species don't tell anything about their superiority. Chromosome count vary from 10 to 250 among different species. Humans have got just 46, but ruling the whole planet.
Please share your views on what you think about the above facts. We will publish your views in the comments section below.

Can our Brain turn Genes ON and OFF as per need

Our Genes make us and decide a number of physical traits of our body. But genes do much more than just deciding our height and color of eye. Some genes makes us resist from some diseases while some make us prone to them. All of our body cells contain same set of genes, but still brain cell looks different from muscle cells. It is due to the fact that some genes are turned ON in one type of cell while different set of genes are turned ON in other.

When a gene is turned ON, it produces certain proteins which are used by body for some specific task. This process of generation of proteins is called Gene Expression.

Recently some researchers focused their research on a capability of our body to turn genes ON and OFF depending on the need of body. The process of turning genes ON and OFF is called Gene Regulation. Some diseases can be controlled if we can turn genes ON and OFF through some medicines. It is a topic of in-depth research to find how only genes in cells of a specific organ can be turned ON and OFF treat a disease. It is utilizing capability of our own body to treat a disease.

How Genes Work

Our DNA is a group of 23 pairs of chromosomes, which are home of the genes. According to an initial estimate our genes can create more than one million different proteins. RNA copies the protein code from DNA and employs the cell to create a protein. Some non-coding RNA, which are not used in protein synthesis are employed to tell these proteins where to go and what to do. This process not only creates our body but also helps in maintaining it. This process in in the root of all complex process of our body. We can't even "think", if this process don't happen in our body.

Brain and Genes

We the humans have got around 20,000 genes in our body. One-third of these genes are always active in our brain, which makes us what we are. They make us how we move, think, feel and react. Proteins developed by genes in brain cells make them able to communicate with each other. Genes active in our brain are responsible for our whole personality.

Even two identical twins will have different personality, in spite of the fact that they have got identical DNA and Genes. It is because our gene expression differs. This difference in  gene expression is due to our different experiences of life. No two people can have similar experiences, even if they grow up in similar atmosphere. The air we breathe, the TV show you watch, the people you speak to, the game you play, the subject you study, the diet you eat, the diseases you suffered from, the physical activities you do, changes your gene expression. No matter how similar we look, our brain is different from inside, as our gene expression in different. Our experience in real life can turn some genes OFF and turn some other genes ON. That's why some childhood experiences can impact the behavior of a person for lifetime. Even the experiences that we face in mother's womb can affect our genes, as most of our brain develops during those nine months.

Can our brain turn genes ON and OFF as per need ?
You may say that our brain turns genes ON and OFF as per need, but the truth is that our brain is itself made by these genes. Genes can regulate how our brain work. However normal metabolic activities are controlled by our brain, and some visible changes in our body are always controlled by brain. Our brain might be responsible for Gene Regulation in other parts of body.

Some experts believe that diseases like Diabetes and Blood Pressure can occur due to both genetic and environmental risk. If you have understood genes in depth then you would agree with the fact that our environment can change gene expression and regulate it. Here the term environment means both our diet and lifestyle.
If a born genius does not get an environment to nurture his/her talent, then the genes responsible for making him/her genius will get suppressed and not express their full potential. So a good environment is must for human development.

Conclusion : What i have understood as per my grasping power about genes is that our environment controls it, not just our brain. So a better environment can lead to better health as the bad environment changes our gene expression and make us suffer from different diseases.

Does Blood Donation reduce strength to some level ?

You must have seen banners to donate blood. Some of you must have done it either for some friend, family member or in a blood donation camp. One thought that comes in mind is that if blood donation will reduce your strength temporarily. Usually you get some sort of refreshment after donating blood, which makes this believe stronger that some sort of strength must have been sucked out of your veins and now they are compensating for that by giving refreshment. Here we will try to provide answers to such thoughts, if they are really true or just just a misconception.

Before you read this article further, we want to tell you one thing that feeling low for some time after donating blood is better than someone loosing his life due to shortage of blood in a blood bank. It also saves thousands of those people who sell their blood for money, and become a part of blood scams in some low income countries. Donating blood not only saves someone's life but also improves quality of life by discouraging people from selling their blood for money. Donating blood also gets you tested for blood pressure and some other diseases, which can also diagnose any of your existing medical condition that you are unaware of.

Does Blood Donation reduce strength to some level ?
Yes, surely it affects your strength. Your stamina is reduced for next 24 hours, so you are normally advised to stay away from high stamina work during that duration.

How much strength is reduced due to blood donation ?
A normal blood donation makes about 10 to 15 percent of your total blood volume. Plasma level returns to normal with 24 hours, but RBC (Red Blood Cells) and hemoglobin takes 2 to 4 weeks to return to normal level. It affects the oxygen carrying capacity of blood and you might feel low while doing jobs that require more stamina. Some researcher who have spoken to heavy-duty soldiers after donating blood found no visible difference in their stamina, but researchers feel that reduction in strength must be there (may be marginal) due to reduction in RBC count.

What are the precaution that one should take after donating blood ?
You should take following precautions.

  • Don't race for at least next 24 hours
  • Do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
  • Take plenty of fluids, eat fruits and take iron supplements for at least a week to regain the strength. 

People in which type of Jobs should take extra precautions before blood donation ?
How much blood donation affects you, depends on the work you do. If you are doing any of the following jobs then your stamina is surely affected for next 24 hours.

  • An athlete who needs to run daily
  • A labor / worker who needs to do heavy jobs like loading and unloading
  • A bodybuilder who spends hours in a gym
  • Somebody with a standing job
If you are doing any of the above jobs, then its better to avoid blood donation. But still if you want to then do it at such a time when you can take rest for next few days and regain your strength during that time. 
The truth is that most of us are not in such jobs and donating blood won't affect the normal life of a normal person. 

Note: If you have suffered from any disease during past 6 months then you should tell the doctor before donating blood. It will save both recipient and you and also the cost of testing your blood before giving it to someone.

Do plants remove PM2.5 and PM10 ?

We all know that plants purify air by removing the harmful gases and putting oxygen back into it. Even most powerful air purifiers can't do that. But do plants remove particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from air. It is a topic of huge importance as most of the air pollution in metro cities is due to this particulate matter.

Do Plants remove Particulate Matter from Air?

Yes, plants do clean the Particulate Matter. However it is not clear if they can absorb and transform it into something useful. Stomata size of plants leaves don't allow absorption of PM2.5 and PM10 as they are larger in size, compared to gaseous molecules which are of the size of PM0.1 . But still plants can collect a lot of PM2.5 and PM10 on their leaves. According to a study some plants can reduce particulate matter by 50%. Particulate matter not only accumulate on plant leaves but also got stuck on the plant wax which increases air quality.

Facts about Air Purifying Plants

  • Spider plant is given an efficiency rating of 8.2 out of 10 by NASA.
  • Buildings with Money Plant, Mother-in-laws tongue and Areca Palm results in 32% less respiratory problems, 52% less eye irritation and 24% less headaches.
  • Air purified by plants can increase your memory retention by 20%.

Paharpur Business Center (PBC) in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in world, is known for the mountain fresh air. It is because of the fact that it houses more than 1200 plants in a scientific way which allows it to keep the air flowing inside the premises. All types of air pollution are monitored here using automatic monitors which keeps telling the quality of indoor air vs outdoor air. It is the best example how air pollution can be controlled using plants. Areca palm, snake plant and money plants are the most used plants in this office complex. The medicinal air with good hygiene and lower fungal levels of the restaurant of this office makes it better than any hospital in India. According to Kamal Meattle ( CEO of PBC), even if a surgery is performed here, the chances of infection are less than any hospital. Productivity level of employees is better than any other office of Delhi as they face comparatively lesser health issues. PBC has given its services to US American Embassy School, Fench Embassy School in Delhi and 750 different homes in India to provide better quality air and a healthy life to their occupants.

Note: Plant trees outside and some garden plants inside your residential and office area. It will make the air clean and improve your health to a great extent.

BMI Calculator Online Free Application (App for Android and Win)

BMI Calculator

Select Gender
Basic Info

     or cms


Your BMI:

Select Target BMI:  
Target BMI is the value that you want to achieve within next few months

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a standard way to measure obesity. You can calculate your BMI by using your weight and height and feeding it in the BMI Caculator given below. You can consider it as a free app for Windows and Android platform, as users on any device can access this page and calculate their BMI free of cost.

Free BMI Calculator

The BMI Calculator provided here is free of cost and you don't need to install it in your device. Its readily available online on this page. You access it anytime 365 x 24 x 7 . All health conscious people should bookmark this page for future usage and open it again to calculate BMI of a friend or family member.

BMI Chart for Men Women Children 

Benefits of this Free Online BMI Calculator:

  • You don't need to install any unnecessary app on your device. You just need to bookmark this page.
  • You don't need to pay for it.
  • You can measure BMI of anybody at anytime.
  • You can check the visual image of yourself.
  • It also tells you how much weight you need to reduce to get into a healthy shape.

Indoor Plants - The better Alternative of Air Purifier

Today educated people are more concerned about the indoor air, so that they can spend some quality time with their family in good quality air. Air purifiers cost a lot and also make irritating sounds sometimes. Due to these factors some people who are more inclined towards nature think about using indoor plants as an air purifier. But is it really possible for indoor plants to remove all pollutants from air ? Air pollution consists of all harmful gases present in the air that we breathe, but when it comes to air purification then it is more about particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) which is a major pollutant in metro cities and causing more health concerns.

Here our main motive is to know about the efficiency of indoor plants in removing air pollutants, and if they can act as a better alternative of air purifiers. But before we proceed, you must know that in reality air purifiers are an alternative of plants. We the humans have made air purifiers because we don't have enough plants in cities to keep the air clean.

How many pollutants of air can be removed by indoor plants?

We all known that plants consume carbon dioxide and generate oxygen (i.e. photosynthesis). Carbon Dioxide is just one pollutant that plants can remove from air. Ammonia, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Xylene, Trichloroethylene, Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Monoxide are some of the other harmful compounds that plants can remove from air. Truth about the pollutants mentioned above is that they come from home-building materials itself. So first we create a house that is itself a pollutant and then we put some plants inside it to keep the air clean (Such serious things make me laugh, whenever i write such articles).

Can we get rid of PM2.5 and PM10 using indoor plants ?

It is not sure if plants can consume particulate matter as a food, but they can capture particulate matter on their leaves. Some studies have shown that PM level decrease up to 50% if a house is surrounded by trees. Tree leaves even capture the metallic pollutants in the air. Spider plants are considered best to get rid of Particulate Matter (PM). Some of the particulate matter is trapped i its wax and some accumulate on their leaves. This accumulation is always more than what accumulates on plain surfaces of home, which means that spider plants accumulate more PM than what gravity pulls toward itself. Studies have shown that Spider Plant can decrease PM level by 35% (Reference). Even if we can't get rid of PM completely through indoor plants, the level can be easily dragged down which can make it breathable. We would suggest you to plant trees outside and keep some indoor plants to get an effective solution of particulate matter.

Do plants remove tobacco smoke from air ?

Tobacco smoke include toluene, formaldehyde, acetone and ammonia. Harmful gases can easily get absorbed by plants. Other harmful residues like some heavy metals, carcinogens, and even radioactive materials that are found in tobacco smoke may not get absorbed by plants but it can be trapped on leaves and soil up to some extent. But still we would never suggest you to smoke inside a house as it heavily increases the pollution level inside a house.

Which plants are best to clean indoor air?

The list of such plants is large. Most of them come from tropical forests which grow as small plants under the big trees and require lesser sunlight. Philodendron, spider plant, English ivy, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, bamboo palm, golden pothos, Boston fern, dwarf date palm, weeping fig and lady palm are some of the good plants that can keep the air clean and also provide a good look to your home.

Some Facts about Indoor Plants:

  • According to a NASA study done in 1989, an average sized indoor plant is sufficient to clean the air in a 100 sq. ft. room.
  • It is not just leaves that clean the air. Bacteria and fungi residing in the soil absorb pollutants and provide it as a food source to plant roots. So lower leaves of indoor plants should be cut to expose more soil.
  • Shape of leaves, size of leaves and waxes present on plant matters a lot to measure its ability to remove pollutants from air. All plants can't survive inside a house. So do a proper research before putting some plants inside your home.
  • No air purifier can remove as many gases from air as plants can do. If we make an air purifier to absorb some harmful gases then it would weigh in tonnes.
  • Air Pollution causes cancer and kills more people than any other disease on earth. According to WHO 4.3 million people are killed every year due to household air pollution. So plant trees and also keep some inside your house.

Indoor Plants vs Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can't get rid of harmful gases. They are only meant to remove tiny dust particles (or particulate matter) only up to some extent (not 100%). At most they can remove some bad odors using carbon filters, which makes them expensive. If you compare them with plants then plants always win, as they remove harmful gases and capture some particulate matter as well at very less cost. The expenses you need to make for am indoor plant just some water and a little care. Gardening is itself related to a better health, plus it can also give you better air to breathe. 

Note: Breathing is not optional, so think about yourself and the upcoming generations and plant trees to make the air clean. Reduce usage of those things which cause air pollution. 

Plantar Fasciitis : The pain in the Heel

Plantar Fasciitis is often diagnosed by pain in heel, especially when you wake up in the morning or when when you get up after having some rest. However this pain reduces within an hour, but again comes back after taking some rest. Previously experts used to think that it is due to bony growths called heel spurs, but now they know that heel spurs occur as a side effect of untreated Plantar Fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis ?

Plantar Fasciitis is pain due to tiny tears in Plantar Fascia. Plantar Fascia is a thick band of tissues reaching from heel to your toes, which acts as a shock-absorbing bowstring supporting the arch in your foot. Tiny tears in it occur due to various reasons and it may result in pain, especially when you get up after several hours of rest. Around 10% population faces this type of pain in heel at least once in a lifetime, which makes it a common health issue. Women are more prone to this disease, but it can also occur in men. It is a common problem among athletes, and most of the athletic foot injuries account for Plantar Fasciitis.
Our foot contains 25% of all bones in body, i.e. 52 to be precise. These bones give proper support to arch of the foot to bear the body weight in different positions and do the pushing movement. If some of these bones go out of alignment due to some reason, then it may result in Plantar Fasciitis.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis ?

Several hours of stress on foot without any break may result in tiny tears in Plantar Fascia, which is the most common reason behind Plantar Fasciitis. Some common causes of Plantar Fasciitis are:

  • Over stretching of foot
  • Unusual workload on foot
  • High-heeled shoes
  • Wearing worn-out shoes
  • Flat-foot people are more prone.
  • Hours of continuous driving can also result in Plantar Fasciitis, as there you need to continuously push the pedals.
  • Sudden weight gain is also associated with Plantar Fasciitis, which makes women more prone to this disease, as pregnancy causes rapid weight gain.
  • Ageing also makes you prone to this disease, as Plantar Fascia becomes rigid. Ageing reduces elasticity of some body tissues and makes them rigid.

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis depends on severity of the condition. If the pain is bearable and you can walk easily then it may subside itself within 10 - 15 days. But if the condition worsens and the pain does not go away then you may need to see a medical practitioner or a specialist. In the mean time you may do following treatments at home to get some relief.

  • Rest: Ample amount of rest, even during the day time gives your body the time it needs to heal the micro-injuries.
  • Icing: Apply ice to your heel for at least twenty minutes twice a day. It will reduce the redness and swelling of tissues.
  • Stretching: Simple stretching exercise twice a day improves blood circulation to any tears or micro-injuries in Plantar Fascia, which is must to heal any injury. It also strengthens the muscles and ligaments around it.
  • Support: If the pain is more then heel seats, night splints, heel wraps, or taping can help you by providing more comfort to your heel.
  • Stop wearing improper footwear: If any footwear was the real culprit behind your condition, then you must abandon it before it makes the condition worse.

Good news about Plantar Fasciitis is that 90% cases get resolved with proper treatment within few months.

Plantar Fasciitis Exercises
Most common exercises to treat Plantar Fasciitis include stretching exercises that stretches your feet and calf. You may search for such exercise videos, which may be more beneficial.

Plantar Fasciitis Yoga

  • Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
  • Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
  • Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrasana)
  • Hero Pose (Virasana)
  • Warrior Pose I (Virabhadrasana I)
  • Garland Pose (Malasana)

Most of the above mentioned yoga poses gives proper stretch to your foot, leg and calf muscles which makes them a proper yoga to get relief from Plantar Fasciitis. But if you feel uncomfortable in doing any of the above yoga, then it is better not to practice it.

Note: If you are not above 50 and facing Plantar Fasciitis without any sudden weight gain, then it might be due to excess stress on your foot, improper footwear or a combination of both. A proper treatment is must for this medical condition, as if it remains untreated then it may result in knee, hip or back problems.

Drinking Cold Water : Good or Bad ?

Drinking cold water is favorite task of most of the people after returning home on a hot day. But have you ever tried to find if it is a healthy habit or not. Normally we feel that cold water reduces the body temperature and helps in relaxing, which is true up to some extent. If you are doing a workout and drinking cold water during intervals then it keeps your core body temperature low and also keeps you hydrated. But the truth is that drinking cold water have an overall negative effect on your health.

Negative effects of Drinking Cold Water

  • Temperature of stomach plays an important role during digestion. Drinking cold water just after a meal hinders the digestion as it reduces the temperature below the optimum temperature required for digestion.
  • Cold water makes stomach muscles unable to work properly unless body raises their temperature. Proper functioning of stomach muscles is necessary to break the food before passing it into the intestine. If you have got a little knowledge of workout science, then you must have known the fact that warming-up of muscles is necessary before a workout (especially during winters), as cold muscles can't contract and relax easily and may result in muscle damage.
  • Drinking cold water can decrease the sterilization capacity of gastric acid. It can make some germs in your stomach food to be passed to your gut which may result is typhoid, dysentery, infectious diarrhea or enteritis.
  • When we drink the cold water, it disturbs the organs which come in direct contact with that water. So it affects respiratory system and the gastrointestinal system the most. Thus long term drinking of cold water makes our oral cavity and respiratory system mucous membrane more fragile. It may also result in inflammation, cough, pneumonia and bronchitis.
  • Cold water shrinks the blood vessels and reduces blood flow. It can increase the blood pressure temporarily. If you have got a bad habit of drinking cold water then are at increased risk of hypertension and cardio-vascular diseases. If you are already a patient of hypertension then drinking cold water increases your chances of cardio-vascular diseases.
  • If you drink cold water just after a meal then it results in excess mucus build-up, which may result in other side effects. An old study done during 1978 which involved 15 human subjects, found that drinking cold water made nasal mucous thicker.
  • A 2001 study found that drinking cold water can trigger migraine pain in those people who are already a patient of this disease.
  • According to Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine system, cold water with hot food creates imbalance in body. Drinking luke-warm water is recommended by these old traditional systems to get best results and better health.

Some people believe that drinking cold water make our body use some calories to rise its temperature to body temperature and thus helps in reducing weight. But in reality that type of calorie consumption is very less. The benefits of drinking cold water are lesser than disadvantages, so we don't recommend to drink cold water to reduce weight.

So if you ever have an urge to drink cold water then don't gulp it fast, instead sip it slowly and keep it for sometime in your mouth and then drink it. It will help in better relaxation from hot with least side effects on your body. You may drink cold water if you feel necessity but don't make it a habit. 

Air Quality in Indian Cities (PM10, NO2 and SO2 in your City)

Air Quality and Air Pollution is one of the things that most of the Indian population should known about. But only a few percent educated population of metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore seems to be searching for that on internet. PM10, NO2 and SO2 are three major pollutants and Indian government is monitoring them from past few years (but still it is increasing).

Here you will get air pollution data of most of the Indian cities. Usually only residents of metropolitan cities search for air quality index of their city and the residents of lesser known big cities remain unaware of their their air quality. Our intention behind this page is to bring that information. You may know about some major air pollutants (PM10, NO2 and SO2) level in your city by using the form below. Give it a try.

Check Air Pollution in your City (India Only)

Air Quality Standards for PM10, NO2 and SO2 (Annual) in µg/m3

Indian Standards40604050
WHO Standards10204020 / day

Note: The air quality data provided here might have changed now, but most probably it must have increased (instead of going low). It is due to less aware citizens, increasing industrialization, increasing population and lack of implementation of laws to save the environment.