As toxic smog continues to engulf Delhi, air quality levels have plunged into the “severe” zone, prompting grave health warnings from medical experts. Former AIIMS pulmonologist Dr. Gopi Chand Khilnani has urged residents, especially those with chronic heart or lung conditions, to consider leaving the city for six to eight weeks if they can afford to do so, until pollution levels subside.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr. Khilnani described the situation as a growing public health crisis, linking prolonged exposure to Delhi’s air pollution with a surge in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. “We are seeing an alarming rise in cases of COPD and lung cancer, not just among older adults but increasingly in younger patients as well,” he noted. The toxic air, he added, erodes overall lung capacity and weakens immunity over time.
According to the pulmonologist, the damage caused by air pollution extends far beyond the lungs. “It impacts the heart, brain, kidneys, intestines, and the immune system,” he said, highlighting higher risks of heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, and diabetes. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, he warned, can also become more severe in such conditions.
Dr. Khilnani further cautioned that polluted air exacerbates pneumonia, both viral and bacterial, potentially increasing mortality rates during the winter months.
On the use of air purifiers, he explained that they can be effective only in well-sealed rooms with limited ventilation. “High-quality purifiers filter out particulate matter and harmful gases, but their benefit is lost if doors or windows are frequently opened,” he said.
With pollution expected to worsen in the aftermath of Diwali, Dr. Khilnani stressed the importance of self-protection. “Not everyone can leave the city, and I understand that,” he said. “But for those with serious respiratory or cardiac issues, and those dependent on oxygen, moving temporarily to cleaner areas could be life-saving.”
As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index stood at 303 on November 1, classified as “very poor,” up from 218 the previous day. An AQI exceeding 400 falls in the “severe” category, posing significant health hazards, particularly for vulnerable populations.
