Hazardous Air Pollution in Delhi: AQI Crisis, Health Risks & Essential Safety Tips

Let’s face up to the fact that the air pollution crisis that we are facing today at Delhi-NCR is very dangerous. The truth is, it affects our bodies in ways that we have only started to totally understand. In fact, we have been seeing that the Air Quality Index or AQI is going above 400 and 500 which is considered as ‘hazardous’, leading to long-term health consequences. In this article, we will explore the depth of the dilemma that we are facing today and provide the best tips for ensuring safety.


We all know that air pollution comes with a mixture of harmful elements including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and so forth. However, among these substances, particulate matter (PM) 2.5 is the worst. Studies show that these microscopic elements are thirty times tinier than the width of our hair. This means that they can easily strive through our lungs, flow through our blood vessels and create destruction inside. Indeed, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) touches ‘hazardous’ levels, just breathing the air in itself is equal to smoking a large number of cigarettes. Additionally, reports also show that due to the effect of PM 2.5 particles, a concerning 33,000 individuals die every year in just 10 Indian cities.
Furthermore, research has linked long-term settlement in polluted cities with a number of chronic diseases. By reducing the arrival of oxygen in the bloodstreams, air pollution has shown to increase anaemic conditions. Moreover, lowered cognitive abilities, developmental slowdowns in children and neurodegenerative diseases have also been associated with polluted air, according to research.
Is that all? No, pollution can also take a toll on our mental health too by heightening depression and anxiety. Now that we have understood the dangerous consequences of heightened AQI, let’s move on to learn about the concrete measures that we can take to fight this plight.


First things first, one of the most important step that you can take when you go out on these days would be to wear an N95 mask. Why N95 or N99? Because these are designed to filter out minute pollutants such as PM 2.5 which the usual surgical masks cannot protect us from.


Workout addicts alert- its best to do your exercises and related activities indoors. Running in a polluted condition actually worsen the problems. Indeed, if it is a must to go out, try your best to avoid late evenings and early mornings when pollution usually touches its peak.


Our bodies are miraculous machines. It has a lot of power to recover from the traumas that it goes through. But we have to provide fuel for the same and this fuel is the food that we eat. Researchers point out that food items that contain a lot of antioxidants including nuts, leafy greens and berries can help us fight the oxidative stress created by pollution. Additionally, fish or flaxseeds containing Omega-3 fatty acids are also particularly recommended due to their positive impact on our lungs. Last but not least, always remember to stay hydrated. Nothing can flush out toxins from our body better than water.


The plants that purify indoor air include Spider Plant, Ivy and Aloe Vera. These plants require low maintenance and will really purify indoor air by reducing pollutants.


This activity in itself has the power to relax your airways and supports the body in removing harmful particles. You can inhale steam by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil for some extra benefits. Practice doing this every evening and you will feel much better.


Experts say that everyone should have an air purifier during this time. Nevertheless, we all know that kids, pregnant women and senior citizens are the ones who are most affected by pollution. Hence, we must make sure that their room contains an air purifier. Some of the good quality air purifiers will have a HEPA filter.

If you follow these tips in a disciplined manner, there is a high chance that you will be protected from the long term consequences of pollution. Furthermore, make sure that you share these tips with everyone you know so that their health will also remain steady.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can Delhi be pollution free?
   To make Delhi pollution free we have to follow a multi-directional approach. We have to enforce stricter emission rules for vehicles, chose EV incentives, through farmer support stop crop burning, strengthen waste management without burning, promote green spaces.
2. Is it safe to walk in Delhi pollution?
   Breathing the city's toxic air is equal to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day. It will make us feel like a chronic smoker even though we have never touched one in our entire life.
3. Which area of Delhi is least polluted?
   Though most parts are heavily pollution, spaces with more greenery and less traffic contain less pollution. For example, Lodhi Road, Aya Nagar, RK Puram, Nehru Nagar and so forth.