Rising Delhi-NCR pollution can affect your health; these warning signs need attention | Exclusive

New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply even before winter, with the AQI more than doubling from 90 last Friday to 187 on Sunday. Meanwhile, ITO recorded a severe AQI of 430. With dry weather, slower winds and no rainfall forecast for the coming week, pollution levels could worsen as winter approaches. As air quality deteriorates, residents need to understand the potential health risks, take precautions to reduce exposure and recognise symptoms that require medical attention.

In an exclusive communication to News9 Digital, Dr Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant, Interventional Pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, explains the health effects of exposure to polluted air, precautions to take outdoors, the importance of modifying daily routines, the benefits of N95 masks, ways to reduce indoor pollution exposure and other essential safety measures.

How to protect yourself from rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Q1: With Delhi’s AQI rising sharply even before winter, what health effects can people experience after just a few hours of exposure to polluted air?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Even a few hours of exposure to high pollution levels can cause coughing, throat irritation, burning eyes, wheezing and breathlessness. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, penetrates deep into the lungs and triggers inflammation in the airways. People with asthma or COPD may experience worsening symptoms, while others may notice chest tightness or reduced exercise tolerance. Pollution can also increase cardiovascular stress, particularly in vulnerable individuals. The severity depends on pollutant concentration, exposure duration and underlying health conditions. People should reduce outdoor exposure when air quality deteriorates, even if they initially feel healthy.

Q2: When AQI levels are poor, very poor or severe, what precautions should people take outdoors, and should they change their daily routines?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Yes, people should modify their daily routines according to air quality. When pollution levels are poor or very poor, limit prolonged outdoor activities, avoid strenuous exercise near traffic and reduce unnecessary exposure. At severe levels, avoid outdoor workouts, particularly if you belong to a vulnerable group. Check local AQI readings before leaving home, choose routes away from busy roads and construction sites, and consider a well-fitting N95 respirator when outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with respiratory or heart conditions should exercise additional caution. Reducing exposure remains the most effective immediate precaution.

Q3: At what AQI level should people avoid morning walks, jogging, cycling and outdoor workouts, and what can they do instead?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Under India’s CPCB classification, an AQI of 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, and 401-500 is severe. As air quality deteriorates, people should reduce exercise intensity and duration. Avoid strenuous outdoor workouts when AQI reaches the poor category, and avoid outdoor exercise at very poor or severe levels. Morning hours are not necessarily safer, so check local readings before exercising. Alternatives include indoor walking, stretching, yoga and light workouts in a clean environment. People with asthma, COPD or heart disease, along with children and older adults, may need to restrict outdoor activity at lower AQI levels.

Q4: Do N95 masks offer meaningful protection against pollution, and how should people choose and wear them correctly?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Yes, a genuine N95 respirator can significantly reduce inhalation of airborne particles, including PM2.5, provided it fits properly. Choose a certified respirator from a reliable manufacturer and ensure it covers both the nose and mouth, with minimal leakage around the edges. Adjust the nose clip and straps securely, and avoid wearing it loosely. Facial hair along the sealing surface can compromise protection. Replace disposable respirators when they become damaged, dirty or difficult to breathe through, following the manufacturer’s instructions. N95 masks do not protect against every gaseous pollutant, so residents should also minimise outdoor exposure during high-pollution episodes.

Q5: How can people reduce their exposure to polluted air inside their homes, particularly when outdoor pollution levels are high?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Maintaining cleaner indoor air is essential during high-pollution periods. Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor pollution is high, while ensuring safe ventilation when needed. Use a properly sized air purifier with a HEPA filter in frequently occupied rooms, especially bedrooms, and maintain filters as recommended. Avoid smoking, incense, mosquito coils, candles and other indoor sources of particulate pollution. Damp-mop floors and wet-dust surfaces instead of dry sweeping. Use suitable kitchen exhaust ventilation while cooking and maintain air-conditioning filters. Avoid ozone-generating air-cleaning devices. These measures can reduce indoor particle exposure, although no household intervention completely eliminates pollution.

Q6: Are children, older adults, pregnant women and people with asthma, COPD or heart disease at greater risk, and what extra precautions should they take?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Yes, these groups are particularly vulnerable to air pollution. Children’s lungs are still developing, while older adults and people with chronic illnesses may have reduced physiological reserves. Pollution can aggravate asthma and COPD, worsen heart disease and increase respiratory symptoms. Exposure has also been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. These individuals should monitor local AQI readings, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during high-pollution periods and maintain a clean indoor environment. Patients with chronic conditions should continue prescribed medication and keep necessary inhalers accessible. Caregivers should watch for persistent coughing, wheezing, unusual fatigue or breathlessness and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.

Q7: What early symptoms of pollution exposure should people watch for, and when should they consult a doctor?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Early symptoms include coughing, throat irritation, burning or watering eyes, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Some people may notice increased mucus production or reduced stamina during routine activities. Individuals with asthma or COPD may experience more frequent symptoms or increased reliance on prescribed reliever medication. If symptoms persist after moving to cleaner indoor air, recur frequently or interfere with daily activities, consult a doctor. People with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should seek advice promptly if their symptoms worsen. Do not automatically attribute breathlessness or persistent coughing to pollution, as respiratory infections and heart conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Q8: Which symptoms, including chest pain or severe breathing difficulty, require urgent medical attention rather than home remedies?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking in complete sentences, chest pain or pressure, bluish lips, confusion, fainting and sudden worsening of wheezing require urgent medical assessment. Chest pain accompanied by sweating, nausea or pain spreading to the arm or jaw may indicate a cardiac emergency. People experiencing severe breathing difficulty should not rely on steam inhalation, herbal remedies or cough syrups. Seek emergency medical care immediately and call 112 in India when necessary. If a prescribed asthma rescue treatment does not provide relief during a severe attack, urgent care is essential. Prompt assessment can prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Q9: Can air pollution worsen existing respiratory and heart conditions even in people who feel otherwise healthy, and what should patients do about their regular medication?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Yes, air pollution can aggravate asthma, COPD and cardiovascular disease, even when individuals initially feel well. Fine particles trigger airway inflammation and can contribute to cardiovascular stress. Repeated exposure is also associated with long-term respiratory and cardiovascular risks. Patients should continue their prescribed maintenance inhalers and heart medications unless their treating doctor advises otherwise. Those with asthma or COPD should keep their prescribed reliever medication accessible and follow their treatment plans. If symptoms worsen or rescue medication is needed more frequently, consult a doctor promptly. Never independently increase medication doses, start antibiotics or take oral steroids without medical advice.

Q10: As Delhi-NCR heads towards winter, what practical steps should residents start taking now to protect their lungs and overall health?

Dr Sunil Kumar K: Residents should start preparing before pollution peaks. Check local AQI readings daily through reliable sources such as CPCB monitoring platforms and adjust outdoor activities accordingly. Avoid strenuous exercise near traffic, shift workouts indoors during high-pollution episodes and use a properly fitted N95 respirator when outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Maintain cleaner indoor air using suitable HEPA air purifiers, regular filter maintenance and reduced indoor smoke and dust. People with asthma, COPD or heart disease should review their treatment plans with their doctors and recognise warning signs. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. Individual precautions help, but sustained improvements require effective emission control and coordinated public-health action.