Rising AQI levels are harming more than lungs; doctor warns children, seniors and pregnant women most at risk

As AQI slips into ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’, doctors report rising lung, heart and pregnancy-related complications

Every winter, a familiar grey haze settles over northern India, bringing burning eyes, breathlessness, and AQI alerts that now dominate daily routines. What was once brushed off as “seasonal pollution” has escalated into a serious health disruption—especially for children, seniors, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions. Hospitals report a spike in respiratory complaints, cardiac episodes, and pollution-related fatigue and headaches.

This year, the situation feels particularly alarming.

“As the winter smog intensifies, the current state of air pollution is no longer just a concern—it’s a full-blown health crisis,” says Dr Rashmi Ardey, Director Programme (Health), Smile Foundation. “Anyone who steps outside polluted cities and experiences cleaner regions immediately realises what normal air should feel like.”

Also Read: Doctors explain why toxic air damages lungs, causes long-term breathing disorders

Why Winter Air Turns More Toxic

Pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone routinely exceed safe limits at this time of the year. Fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is the most harmful.

These microscopic particles penetrate deep into the lungs, cross into the bloodstream, and trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, immune disruption and even genetic damage.

“These particles aggravate asthma, cause persistent cough, sore throat, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. During peak pollution episodes, these symptoms worsen considerably,” Dr Ardey explains.

Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, headaches, eye irritation and skin flare-ups. Air pollution is also linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight.

Research has documented cytological changes in airway cells, including metaplasia and dysplasia, due to chronic exposure.

Dr Ardey notes that air pollution has been shown to reduce life expectancy. Meeting the WHO’s PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³ could add more than eight years to residents’ lives, while even meeting India’s national standard of 40 µg/m³ could increase life expectancy by nearly five years, she adds.

How Vulnerable Groups Are Being Hit the Hardest

1. Children:
Developing lungs make them more prone to asthma, bronchitis and long-term respiratory damage.

2. Senior citizens:
Existing heart and lung conditions worsen, often leading to hospitalisations.

3. Pregnant women:
Toxic air raises the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and developmental complications.

4. People with asthma, COPD or heart disease:
Even mild pollution spikes can trigger severe flare-ups.

How to Protect Yourself During High-Pollution Days

Also Read: Pollution in winter and COPD: Keep your lungs healthy and safe with these easy tips

Dr Ardey recommends the following measures:

• Check AQI daily Avoid outdoor activities if AQI crosses 200, particularly during early mornings and late evenings.
• Wear N95 or FFP2 masks Surgical and cloth masks do not block fine particulate matter.
• Use air purifiers indoors Ventilate only on low-pollution days. Avoid indoor pollutants like incense sticks, dhoop, candles and tobacco smoke.
• Eat an antioxidant-rich diet Vitamin C, Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols help counter inflammation.
• Increase greenery Indoor and outdoor plants slightly improve humidity and can help reduce particulate load.

FAQs on Health Impact of Rising AQI

1. What is AQI and why is it important?

AQI stands for Air Quality Index, which measures the level of pollutants in the air. It is important because it helps assess how clean or polluted the air is, and the potential health effects.

2. How does poor AQI affect health?

Poor AQI can lead to respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. It can also cause heart problems, headaches, fatigue, and worsen existing health conditions.

3. Who is most at risk from high AQI levels?

Children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are most vulnerable to the effects of high AQI levels.

4. What immediate steps can I take to protect my health on high AQI days?

Limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers indoors, wear N95 masks, and avoid indoor pollutants like tobacco smoke.

5. Can long-term exposure to poor AQI cause permanent health damage?

Yes, long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even reduce life expectancy. It can also affect pregnancy outcomes and contribute to developmental issues in children.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.