Delhi Air Pollution: Why Delhi’s air pollution is more dangerous than you think |

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Delhi’s air pollution has made a comeback and is a part of every discussion right now. From concerns to protests, almost every individual residing in the national capital region is trying to participate in controlling the growing menace of air pollution.
The toxicity of air pollution has become a concern among neighbors as well. Bhutan will have to endure less pollution if pollution level is low in India, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said on Monday asserting that India becoming an advanced nation will ensure cleaner air for his country as well.

Delhi’s air quality dropped to the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385 recorded around 8:00 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A thick layer of fog was seen in areas like Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple as the city’s air quality continued to deteriorate. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI in the ‘Severe’ category can affect healthy individuals and seriously impact those with pre-existing health conditions, while ‘Poor’ and ‘Very Poor’ levels can cause respiratory discomfort and illnesses with prolonged exposure.

Delhiites are struggling with respiratory illnesses earlier this year

“This time Delhi is witnessing respiratory illnesses earlier than used to be recorded in November. We are seeing the pollution rising earlier than November this year. Due to this, there is a 10-15 per cent rise in the number of patients suffering from respiratory diseases,” Dr Rajesh Chawla, a senior consultant on Respiratory Diseases at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital told news agency ANI.

“Air pollution is like slow poison. It affects children in developing age and elders. Action should be taken at a personal, government, and national level. If you want to prevent the effects of air pollution, then using an N95 face mask is essential,” he said.

Special OPD services for air pollution patients open

With symptoms like watery eyes and cough increasingly seen among patients, city based hospital Ram Manohar Lohia has started running special OPD services for pollution patients. “Right now we are seeing patients of respiratory, eyes, and skin complaints, major in our OPDs. We have seen the increased number of patients in our chest OPD now, with the vision of our medical superintendent, Dr Ajay Shukla, we have started this pollution-related illness clinic every Monday from 2 to 4 pm,” Dr Ajit Jindal from the respiratory department told the media. “Today, we saw patients coming with the cough, sneezing, cold, itching in the throat, watering eyes, and some of the patients with burning in the skin. These are the main symptoms which patients are coming with,” he explained.

How serious is Delhi’s air pollution?

“The air pollution in Delhi is a serious health hazard, particularly in the winter when vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and stubble burning all contribute to high smog levels. A lower life expectancy, heart disease, and respiratory problems are among the major concerns associated with the city’s sometimes “hazardous” air quality. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical issues are particularly vulnerable to long-term exposure,” said Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care & Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram.

“Air pollution is bad for your physical and emotional wellbeing. In terms of health, it causes immune system weakness, heart issues, and respiratory disorders. Long-term exposure is associated with mental health issues such anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 are two examples of pollutants that can exacerbate stress, set off mood problems, and even alter brain function, raising the risk of neurodegenerative illnesses,” he adds.
Air pollution poses significant health risks, affecting millions of people globally. The inhalation of pollutants like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone can cause both short-term and long-term health issues.
In the short term, air pollution can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. Individuals with pre-existing conditions, like asthma or cardiovascular diseases, are particularly vulnerable to worsening symptoms when exposed to polluted air. Even healthy people may experience irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, along with difficulty breathing during high pollution episodes.

Long-term exposure to polluted air has more severe consequences. It can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and heart disease. Studies have also linked prolonged exposure to reduced lung function and premature death, especially in children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. Additionally, air pollution has been associated with increased risks of stroke, cognitive decline, and pregnancy complications, including low birth weight.

Are we doing enough to stay safe from the pollution?

As per Dr. Pratibha Dogra, Senior Consultant- Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospital Gurugram, “even though people are aware of the risks posed by air pollution, not enough is being done to stay safe. Long-term fixes like cutting emissions, encouraging renewable energy, and tightening laws are falling behind, even though some people use masks and air purifiers. Additionally, there are not enough people using public transportation, planting trees, and driving less to have a long-lasting effect.”

The doctor stressed the effect of pollution on kids and senior citizens. “- Children are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of air pollution because they have weaker lungs, respiratory infections, and worsening cardiac issues. Limiting outdoor activities during periods of high pollution, using air purifiers indoors, making sure kids wear masks outdoors, and promoting a nutrient-rich diet to strengthen immunity are all ways to keep them safe,” Dr. Dogra explains.

Pollution hotspots in Delhi

13 hotspots have been identified in Delhi as pollution hotspots: Narela, Bawana, Mundka, Wazirpur, Rohini, R.K. Puram, Okhla, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Mayapuri, Dwarka. As per the Department of Environment, the hotspots have been identified depending upon the annual average of PM10 exceeding μg/m3 and for PM2.5 more than 100 μg/m3. This is based on data of the nearby located (in radius of 2km) continuous air quality monitoring stations established by DPCC.

To control air pollution, the Department of Environment is planning to implement several points like identification of plastic & garbage dump and its removal, identification and repair of road patches and potholes, de-congestion of congested traffic points, mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling of roads and night patrolling to check violations with respect to bio-mass burning, C&D waste dumping etc.

To protect yourself during periods of high air pollution, stay indoors as much as possible, especially during peak pollution hours. Keep windows and doors closed to reduce indoor exposure, and use air purifiers if available. If you need to go outside, wear a mask, such as an N95, to filter out harmful particles. Avoid outdoor exercise or strenuous activities that increase breathing rate. Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins, and consider using a saline nasal spray to clear airways. Stay informed by monitoring air quality levels and taking precautions accordingly.
(With inputs from agencies)