Delhi Air Pollution: 7 Chronic Health Conditions Linked to Poor Air Quality

Air quality in the capital has been deteriorating. As Diwali approaches, the air quality is expected to worsen. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 283 in the ‘poor’ category as the national capital was engulfed in a blanket of smog. According to a Financial Express report, the AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 218, 245 in Punjabi Bagh, 276 in India Gate and 288 in Jhilmil Industrial Area at 8 am. The AQI between 0-50 is considered “good”, 51-100 is “satisfactory”, 101-200 is “moderate”, 201-300 is “bad”, 301-400 is “very poor”, 401-500 is “severe” and above 500 is “great”. advantage”.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is “the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.”

It adds that outdoor and indoor air pollution causes respiratory and other diseases and is a major source of morbidity and mortality. “WHO data show that almost the entire world’s population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing the highest exposures.” “.

Air pollution can cause several health problems and it’s not just respiratory diseases. Here, take a look at chronic health conditions linked to air pollution.

respiratory diseases

Poor air quality is linked to respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. Pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5) irritate the airways and cause inflammation that worsens these conditions.

Cardiovascular disease

Air pollution, especially from fine particles and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, hypertension and strokes. Pollutants enter the bloodstream and cause oxidative stress and inflammation in blood vessels. This eventually increases the risk of blood clots and arterial damage.

lung cancer

Prolonged exposure to pollutants, especially carcinogenic compounds, increases the risk of lung cancer. Substances such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) damage lung cells, causing mutations and the development of cancer.

Delays in child development

Children exposed to high levels of air pollution may face developmental delays, both physical and cognitive, and an increased risk of conditions such as autism spectrum disorders.

Neurological disorders

Emerging studies link poor air quality to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Fine particles can enter the brain through the bloodstream or olfactory nerve. This causes inflammation and damage to brain cells over time, leading to cognitive decline.

Reproductive health problems

Polluted air is also linked to reproductive health complications, including reduced fertility, premature birth, and low birth weight. Toxins such as heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in polluted air can affect hormonal function. This affects fetal development and maternal health.

weakened immune system

Exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system and therefore make the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. Pollutants affect immune cells and reduce the body’s ability to fight pathogens. This increases respiratory and other infections.