Delhi-NCR was engulfed in a thick blanket of smog on Tuesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) once again slipping into the ‘hazardous’ category following Diwali celebrations. According to real-time monitoring, India’s PM2.5 level was 81 µg/m³ and PM10 was 142 µg/m³, putting air quality firmly in the danger zone.
Doctors and environmentalists are calling it a “wake-up call” for residents, warning that even brief exposure can have harmful effects, especially for children, the elderly and those with existing health problems.
Read also | Will Delhi Govt make artificial rain this weekend amid deteriorating AQI?
What are PM2.5 and PM10 — and why are they dangerous?
Particulate matter (PM) is the fine respirable particles present in polluted air. PM10 contains larger coarse particles, while PM2.5 represents tiny microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure has been linked to respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke and even cancer.
Early warning signs include:
- Coughing, wheezing and chest tightness
- A sore or scratchy throat
- Stuffiness
- Irritated eyes and skin
- Increased mucus or worsening of asthma symptoms
Expert sound alarm
Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant, Gleneagles Hospitals, told LiveMint: “High exposure to AQI can affect respiratory or cardiovascular health within hours. Studies show that breathing Delhi’s toxic air can be as harmful as smoking a few cigarettes a day.”
Read also | Delhi air causes respiratory problems for Redditor; Netizens suggest him to leave
Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari told PTI, “With almost every monitoring station in Delhi now in the red zone and the AQI rising above 300, it is a wake-up call. Today’s smog is not just covering the sky, it is suffocating the lungs of our children.”
Respiratory medicine specialist Dr Nikhil Modi of Apollo Hospitals explained why the crisis worsens in winter: “As the air cools, the wind speed decreases and the cold air traps pollutants at lower levels. After Diwali, pollution always increases. We are already seeing patients with coughing, tearing and breathing problems. Children and the elderly should avoid going out and wearing masks if they have to.”
Why even a morning walk can be harmful
Doctors strongly advise against exercising outdoors during high AQI days:
- Increased inhalation: During physical activity, the breathing rate increases up to five times, thereby inhaling more pollutants.
- Deeper Penetration: The practice often involves mouth breathing, bypassing the nose’s natural filters.
- Intense damage: Exercise increases oxidative stress and inflammation, which further exacerbates pollution.
This means that a simple morning jog or brisk walk can significantly increase the dose of inhaled pollutants, cause irritation, trigger asthma or increase cardiovascular risks.
Read also | Delhi-NCR suffocates after Diwali: Dwarka, Mundka among top 10 places with worst AQI
Who is most at risk?
- People with heart and lung disease: Air pollution worsens asthma, COPD, arrhythmia and can trigger heart attacks.
- Older adults: Reduced lung function, weaker immunity and chronic diseases make them highly vulnerable.
- Children and infants: Developing lungs and higher breathing rates mean higher exposure per body weight.
What’s going on inside your lungs
When toxic particles are inhaled, they cause inflammation, swelling and excessive production of mucus in the respiratory tract. Over time, this weakens lung function and increases the risk of chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD and emphysema. The smallest particles bypass the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing systemic problems including heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Medical advice to residents
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially early in the morning.
- If exiting is unavoidable, wear N95 or N99 masks.
- Use air purifiers indoors.
- Prepare your asthma or allergy medicine.
- Children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses should stay indoors.
Advice for seniors
Dr Chafle says: “When the air quality index (AQI) is high, seniors can take specific steps to minimize their exposure to air pollution from the home. These measures aim to improve indoor air quality, reduce pollutant sources and promote overall health.
- Indoor air control: Use an air purifier. Invest in a high efficiency air purifier (HEPA) that filters out fine particles (PM2.5) and other pollutants. Keep windows and doors closed. When the AQI is high, close all windows and doors to keep polluted outdoor air out of your home.
- Maintain and operate your HVAC system. Use the air conditioner continuously on the recirculation setting to filter the air in the room. If possible, install a high-efficiency filter with a MERV rating of 13 or higher.
- Clean and replace the filters regularly. To ensure proper operation, regularly replace the air filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
- Create a clean room. If you can’t filter the air in the whole house, designate one room as a “clean room” for sleeping and resting.
For senior citizens who must go outside during high air quality index (AQI) conditions, Dr Chafle suggests that combining a high-quality mask with strategic timing and travel can significantly reduce exposure.
Advice for parents
Dr Chafle advises: “Parents can protect children from air pollution by monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) and limiting outdoor exposure on days with high pollution, advocating for a cleaner indoor environment with air purifiers and proper ventilation, and ensuring children wear well-fitting N95 or certified masks when they must be outside. It’s also important to choose healthy lifestyle choices out of heavy traffic and use shortcuts. nutrition to strengthen immunity. “
