Delhi-NCR AQI Quality Turns 'Poor', Several Areas Cross 300 Mark: Experts Warn Of Rising Health Risks

Delhi-NCR's air quality has dropped to the 'poor' category just before Diwali, with several areas recording AQI levels above 300. Experts warn that worsening pollution could trigger serious health problem.

Delhi's air quality turns toxic ahead of Diwali festivities. According to a recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi NCR crossed the 300 mark firmly within the 'poor' range, as haze blanketed the skyline and visibility dropped across major areas.

Delhi-NCR Air Quality Crosses 300 Mark

Among the neighbouring NCR cities, Ghaziabad recorded a 'very poor' AQI of 324 on Saturday, the worst in the country, as per recent data. Noida (278) and Gurugram (266) also registered 'poor' air quality, while Faridabad (105) remained in the 'moderate' range. Talking about other stations in Delhi, five of them posted their results in the category of very poor air quality.

Delhi-NCR Poor Air Quality Leads To Rising Health Risks

Are you residing in Delhi-NCR? Here are the top health issues that you may suffer from:

Respiratory Problems on the Rise

Damage to the lungs is one of the short-term consequences of poor-quality air. Most individuals cough, wheeze, get out of breath and irritate their throats. Repetitive exposure may result in asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD). Children are weaker because their lungs are still immature, and older citizens may suffer more symptoms of respiratory issues they had before.

Heart and Circulatory Diseases

Toxic air can lead to cardiovascular diseases as well. Effluent air triggers inflammation of blood vessels which results in high blood pressure and the reduction of oxygen supply to the heart. For those with high blood pressure or diabetes, long-term exposure may increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and irregular heartbeats.

Effect on Brain and Mental Health

Recent data indicates that PM2.5 can gain access into the brain via blood thus impacting cognitive health. This is associated with headaches, fatigue, anxiety and in the long run, a high propensity of neurological disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The mental well-being and the quality of sleep are also influenced due to the constant stress of polluted air inhalation.

Impact on Skin and Eyes

The skin and the eyes may also become noticeably damaged due to air pollution. The pores are blocked with pollutants and the result is acne, dullness as well as premature ageing. During high pollution days, people usually report sore or burning eyes or watery eyes as minuscule particles bother the cornea and conjunctiva.

Tips To Stay Safe As Air Quality Drops In Delhi-NCR

According to Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO, "Tackling environmental risks isn't optional, it's a prescription for better health, stronger economies, and a safer future. You can't have healthy people on a sick planet. We urge all countries to take bold, coordinated action across sectors to reduce environmental threats. Investing in clean air, safe water, and climate-protective policies is not just good for the planet. It's essential for the health and future of their people."

Here are some simple tips to protect yourself as air pollution drops in the capital.

1. When the AQI is high, it is better to stay indoors.
2. When you have to go outside, put on a mask with at least an N95 rating on yourself - a regular one might not work.
3. Replace air purifiers, or close the windows on bad-air days; do not do anything inside the house that contributes to pollution (burning incense, smoking, cooking without ventilation).
4. Clean up the kitchen and the use of wood or biomass cooking or heating is minimised.

Protecting health is currently not only about short-term measures but also about long-term aid to achieve cleaner air.

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