Air quality across the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) remained in the ‘severe’ to ‘hazardous’ categories on Tuesday, prompting health professionals to issue urgent warnings, particularly ahead of the Diwali festival. Cities within the region reported significantly elevated levels of particulate matter, raising concerns for vulnerable populations.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Faridabad recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 321, Noida registered 327, and Greater Noida reached 341, all classified as ‘hazardous’. Gurugram’s AQI stood at 287, falling into the ‘severe’ category. These readings highlight a substantial deterioration in air quality, posing immediate and long-term health threats.
Doctors have particularly sounded an alert concerning the impact of poor air quality on senior citizens and children. Dr. Manoj Kumar Goel, Principal Director and Unit Head of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at FMRI Gurugram, noted that the detrimental effects of pollution extend well beyond the festival period. He pointed out that the haze over North India often persists into December, with Delhi’s PM2.5 levels averaging 215 micrograms per cubic metre in November last year, nearly double the reading from October and vastly exceeding the World Health Organization’s yearly guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
Dr. Manu Madan, Senior Consultant in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Medanta Noida, explained the multifactorial nature of the pollution surge during festive seasons. “During Diwali, the combination of increased vehicular emissions, firecracker smoke, construction dust, and unfavourable weather conditions can significantly deteriorate air quality,” Dr. Madan stated. He further elaborated on the physiological impact, saying, “These pollutants can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger inflammation, and aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.”
Health experts have detailed a range of symptoms associated with exposure to high AQI levels. These include the triggering of asthma attacks, persistent coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. Additionally, individuals may experience red, watery, and itchy eyes, as well as skin irritation, dryness, and rashes. Children, whose respiratory systems are still developing, and the elderly are identified as the most susceptible groups.
Dr. Prashant Saxena, Chairperson of Respiratory Diseases and Critical Care at Artemis Hospital Gurugram, emphasized the types of pollutants involved and their pathways into the body. “Firecracker smoke, exhaust fumes, construction dust, and waste burning release harmful pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10,” Dr. Saxena said. “These fine particles can get deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, red eyes, and asthma attacks.”
The risks associated with severe air pollution are not confined to the respiratory system; they also extend to cardiovascular health. Dr. Rohit Goyal, Senior Consultant at Max Hospital Gurgaon, advised cardiac patients, especially those with co-existing conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other lung problems, to exercise extreme caution during periods of smog. He recommended staying indoors during peak pollution hours and avoiding early morning or late evening walks. Close monitoring of heart health and immediate consultation with a doctor upon experiencing any discomfort were also stressed.
Dr. Ajay Phadke, Director of Strategic Business Development at Agilus Diagnostics, provided a scientific perspective on the systemic effects of fine particulate matter. “Fine particulate matter, PM2.5, passes from the lungs into the bloodstream,” Dr. Phadke explained. “It inflames the airways, raises blood pressure, and makes the blood more prone to clotting. Studies consistently show a rise in heart attacks and strokes in the days following a severe AQI spike.”
In light of these health concerns, medical professionals are advising the public to seek medical attention if a cough persists for more than two weeks, or if they experience symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, or chest discomfort. They also recommend consulting a doctor if a person’s resting oxygen saturation level drops below 94 percent. Patients are cautioned against self-medicating with antibiotics or steroids, underscoring the need for professional medical evaluation and guidance during this period of heightened air pollution.
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