As the festive and winter season unfolds across Delhi and NCR, the air has once again turned heavy with smog and pollutants. According to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, the region has slipped into the "unhealthy" and "very poor" categories — a level where breathing the outdoor air can cause both short-term irritation and long-term health harm. For millions of residents, this annual recurrence is no longer just an environmental concern; it is a serious public health issue that affects the lungs, heart, and overall quality of life.
What Does "Unhealthy/Very Poor" Air Quality Really Mean?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized measure that tells us how polluted the air currently is or is forecast to become. It is divided into six categories — good, satisfactory, moderate, poor, very poor, and severe — each representing a specific concentration of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. When AQI levels rise above 200, the air is considered "very poor," posing a health risk to even healthy individuals, while people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions are at greater danger.
At these levels, outdoor activity becomes hazardous, and children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart disease may experience acute symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure can lead to inflammation, reduced oxygen levels in the blood, and lasting damage to lung tissue.
Why Is Air Quality in Delhi/NCR Worsening Again?
Each year, Delhi's air quality deteriorates dramatically between October and January, and the causes are both natural and artificial. Seasonal weather patterns play a major role — falling temperatures, low wind speeds, and temperature inversion trap pollutants close to the ground, forming a dense layer of smog.
Vehicular and industrial emissions remain a significant contributor. With nearly 12 million registered vehicles in Delhi and countless industrial units around NCR, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter are released continuously into the atmosphere.
Construction and road dust further compound the problem. The dry conditions of autumn and winter allow fine dust particles to remain suspended in the air for long periods, adding to PM10 concentrations. In rural and semi-urban fringes, crop residue burning — particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh — sends massive plumes of smoke toward the capital region. When combined with local emissions, these create the toxic smog blanket that residents wake up to every winter.
Dangerous Pollutants Dominating the Air Quality in Delhi NCR
The most hazardous pollutants at play are PM2.5 and PM10 — fine particulate matter small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. PM2.5, in particular, is associated with increased risks of heart attacks, stroke, and chronic respiratory disease.
Other major culprits include nitrogen dioxide (NO2), released from vehicle exhaust and power plants, which irritates the airways and worsens asthma. Sulphur dioxide (SO2), primarily from burning coal or diesel, can trigger coughing and throat irritation. Carbon monoxide (CO), an invisible, odorless gas, reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, posing a risk to those with heart conditions. Meanwhile, ground-level ozone, formed through chemical reactions between sunlight and pollutants, causes chest discomfort and exacerbates lung diseases.
Who Is at Highest Risk Due to Bad AQI?
While everyone is affected by polluted air, certain groups are more vulnerable. Smokers, people with diabetes, and individuals with chronic lung conditions like asthma or COPD face heightened risks. People with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases may experience worsening symptoms or an increased likelihood of cardiac events.
Children, due to their developing lungs and higher breathing rates, are especially sensitive to pollution exposure. Pregnant women and the elderly are also at greater risk, as poor air quality can influence fetal development, trigger fatigue, or worsen age-related respiratory issues.
Immediate Health Effects of Very Poor Air Quality
Poor air quality can severely impact your lungs and heart. Breathing polluted air can trigger an immediate chain reaction in the body. Short-term effects include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Many people also experience throat irritation, watery or burning eyes, and sinus congestion.
Extended outdoor exposure can lead to chest tightness and fatigue, as the body works harder to intake oxygen. For those already suffering from asthma or bronchitis, even minimal exposure can provoke acute flare-ups requiring medical attention.
Long-Term Health Risks of Prolonged Exposure
Over time, repeated exposure to "very poor" air takes a significant toll on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Pollutants accelerate the progression of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), permanently reducing lung function.
Scientific studies show that fine particulate matter increases the risk of heart disease by promoting inflammation and arterial stiffness. Prolonged inhalation of polluted air can also cause premature ageing of the lungs, reduced immunity, and even contribute to certain cancers.
Symptoms You Should Not Ignore During High AQI
When air pollution levels rise, it's crucial to monitor your body closely. Persistent cough, wheezing, and continuous irritation in the eyes are warning signs of pollutant sensitivity. Unexplained shortness of breath, particularly at rest, or sudden chest pain should never be ignored, as they can indicate a serious underlying condition triggered by pollution exposure. Seeking medical help promptly can prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.
Precautions to Take When AQI Is Very Poor
When the air quality dips, prevention becomes your best defense. Limit outdoor activity, especially early mornings and late evenings when smog concentration is highest. N95 or N99 mask usage for children and seniors specially while stepping outside, and keep windows closed during high pollution days.
Indoor air purifiers can help reduce particulate levels while maintaining indoor greenery like aloe vera and peace lilies, which can naturally cleanse the air. Staying hydrated, consuming antioxidant-rich foods (like fruits, nuts, and leafy greens), and practicing breathing exercises can support lung health. Parents should ensure children avoid outdoor play when AQI levels are "very poor."
How Artemis Hospitals Help in AQI-Linked Health Issues?
Artemis Hospitals offers a comprehensive approach to managing health concerns linked to poor air quality. Respiratory assessments and spirometry tests help evaluate lung performance and detect early impairment. The hospital provides nebulization support to ease breathing difficulties and relieve airway inflammation.
Its paediatric pulmonology care ensures that children suffering from pollution-induced respiratory distress receive timely, specialized attention. For individuals experiencing chest discomfort or cardiac strain due to pollution, Artemis also offers emergency cardiac evaluations, ensuring quick diagnosis and intervention.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Pollution-Related Treatment?
Artemis Hospitals combines medical expertise with compassionate care to address pollution-related illnesses effectively. The facility is staffed with experienced pulmonologists and cardiologists who specialize in treating air-quality-induced health conditions.
Dedicated child and elder-focused treatment plans ensure that vulnerable age groups receive tailored care for their unique physiological needs. The hospital's 24/7 emergency support guarantees immediate attention during acute respiratory or cardiac episodes. At the same time, its preventive health check programs help track the long-term effects of pollution on overall health.
If you or your loved ones are struggling with breathing issues, a persistent cough, or fatigue during this high-pollution season, don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Book an appointment at Artemis Hospitals today for expert assessment, timely intervention, and comprehensive air-quality-related health management.
Article By Dr. Arun Kotaru
Unit Head & Sr. Consultant - Respiratory Disease & Sleep Medicine (Unit I)
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Delhi's air quality so bad?
A mix of vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, construction dust, and seasonal crop burning causes Delhi's poor air quality. Low wind speeds and cold weather trap pollutants near the ground, creating dense smog.
Which areas in Delhi/NCR face the worst AQI?
Industrial and traffic-heavy zones like Anand Vihar, Dwarka, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram (especially near NH-48), and Faridabad often record the highest AQI levels during winter.
What is the main cause behind the poor air quality in Delhi?
The main culprits are vehicular pollution, stubble burning in nearby states, and dust from construction and roads, all worsened by stagnant winter air that prevents pollutant dispersion.
How does smog affect pregnant women?
Smog exposure increases the risk of respiratory discomfort, fatigue, and reduced oxygen supply, which can affect both mother and baby. Prolonged exposure may impact fetal growth and birth weight.
How do I protect myself from high AQI in Delhi NCR?
Limit outdoor activities, wear an N95 or N99 mask, use air purifiers indoors, stay hydrated, eat antioxidant-rich foods, and close windows during peak pollution hours.
What are 5 ways to improve air quality near me?
- Reduce vehicle use — carpool or use public transport.
- Avoid open waste burning.
- Plant air-purifying trees.
- Maintain vehicles for lower emissions.
- Support local clean-air drives and report construction dust violations.
Are N95 masks effective against PM2.5?
Yes. N95 and N99 masks filter out up to 95–99% of PM2.5 particles, offering strong protection when worn properly and sealed around the face.
How to protect seniors from air pollution health effects in Gurgaon?
Keep them indoors during high AQI hours, use air purifiers, ensure regular medical check-ups, and consult pulmonologists for breathing issues or oxygen therapy support if needed.
When should children visit a paediatrician for breathing issues?
Suppose a child experiences persistent coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, or difficulty sleeping due to congestion. In that case, it's important to consult a pediatrician immediately.
Where can older people receive respiratory care and treatment in Gurgaon?
Elderly patients can visit Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, which offers specialized respiratory and cardiac care, spirometry tests, and personalized treatment for pollution-related conditions.
Where can I find the best pulmonologist near me?
At Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, you can consult leading pulmonologists experienced in managing asthma, COPD, and pollution-induced respiratory distress.
Do I need to consult a cardiologist near me for heart problems during air pollution?
Yes, suppose you have chest pain, palpitations, or unexplained fatigue during high AQI days. In that case, you should consult a cardiologist to rule out pollution-triggered cardiac stress.
What are the home remedies for coughing during the pollution season?
Steam inhalation, warm water with honey, turmeric milk, saline gargles, and keeping the throat moist can help relieve coughing and throat irritation.
What are the safety tips for working professionals during poor AQI in Delhi NCR?
Avoid outdoor commuting during peak hours, wear a mask, use air purifiers in offices, stay hydrated, and take short indoor breaks to rest your lungs.
