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Ishita Roy

Delhi’s Air Quality Slips Back to ‘Very Poor’; Toxic Air Could Cause Acute Health Effects, Warns AIIMS Doctor

Delhi witnessed a slight improvement in its Air Quality Index (AQI) for a couple of days before it again slipped back to 'very poor' category. On Sunday morning, some areas in fact reached 'severe' category on the AQI. 

While pollution spiked during Diwali, on Friday and Saturday, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 275 and 292 respectively, which has placed the air quality category in 'poor'. 

However, on Sunday morning, Delhiites woke up to 'very poor' air quality, thanks to the thick layer of smog. The AQI was recorded well above 300 in most areas. Visuals too show low visibility in many areas of the national capital.

<h2>What Does The Expert Say About The Air Quality?</h2>

On Sunday, as of 7am, Delhi's Anand Vihar area recorded an AQI of 430, which has placed it under the 'severe' category. Wazirpur also recorded an AQI of 403, further placing it under the 'severe' category. Speaking to ANI, former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria urged people to use preventative measures in order to minimize their exposure to the polluted air. He also warned people of the health implications which could be the result of deteriorating air quality.

"The current high levels of air pollution, indicated by poor AQI, are leading to acute health effects, particularly among individuals with underlying heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and young children. These groups are experiencing increased chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, cough, and worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma and COPD," Dr Guleria told ANI, on Friday. 

"Even healthy individuals are reporting symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, throat pain, chest tightness, and coughing. The inflammation and narrowing of airways caused by pollutants are contributing to these issues. Additionally, the use of crackers, despite permissions for 'green crackers,' has exacerbated air pollution," he added.

<h2>What Preventative Measures Should One Use?</h2>

The best way to protect yourself is by limiting your outdoor timings, especially during the early morning hours and at the night. Smog is at its lowest during the afternoon. Furthermore, using an N-95 respirator could protect you from the minute pollutant particles in the air. 

N-95 is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles, notes the FDA. This is what makes it fit for use during high levels of pollution.

The edges of N-95 are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. Some models even have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce the heat build-up.

As per a 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging, the N-95 mask could block "at least 95% of very small test particles". 

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/after-diwali-air-pollution-in-delhi-shoots-up-to-100-times-the-limit-which-mask-to-wear-for-best-protection-article-153034138" data-type="tilCustomLink">Which Mask To Wear For Best Protection?</a>

As per the Central Pollution Control Board, here's how the data on AQI can be interpreted

<ul><li>0-50 is considered ‘good’ </li><li>51-100 is considered ‘satisfactory’</li><li>101-200 is considered ‘moderate’</li><li>201-300 is considered ‘poor’</li><li>301-400 is considered ‘very poor’</li><li>401-500 is considered ‘severe’</li></ul>

Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Delhi (DPCC) - 317.00

IHBAS, Dilshad Garden, Delhi (CPCB) - 310.00

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi (DPCC) - 304.00

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Delhi witnessed a slight improvement in its Air Quality Index (AQI) for a couple of days before it again slipped back to 'very poor' category. On Sunday morning, some areas in fact reached 'severe' category on the AQI. While pollution spiked during Diwali, on Friday and Saturday, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 275 and 292 respectively, which has placed the air quality category in 'poor'. However, on Sunday morning, Delhiites woke up to 'very poor' air quality, thanks to the thick layer of smog. The AQI was recorded well above 300 in most areas. Visuals too show low visibility in many areas of the national capital.What Does The Expert Say About The Air Quality?On Sunday, as of 7am, Delhi's Anand Vihar area recorded an AQI of 430, which has placed it under the 'severe' category. Wazirpur also recorded an AQI of 403, further placing it under the 'severe' category. Speaking to ANI, former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria urged people to use preventative measures in order to minimize their exposure to the polluted air. He also warned people of the health implications which could be the result of deteriorating air quality.    #WATCH | Delhi | The AQI at the India Gate and the surrounding areas was recorded at 325 in the &#39;Very Poor&#39; category as per the CPCB pic.twitter.com/i4M2eMCyRv&mdash; ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2025 ]]> "The current high levels of air pollution, indicated by poor AQI, are leading to acute health effects, particularly among individuals with underlying heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and young children. These groups are experiencing increased chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, cough, and worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma and COPD," Dr Guleria told ANI, on Friday. "Even healthy individuals are reporting symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, throat pain, chest tightness, and coughing. The inflammation and narrowing of airways caused by pollutants are contributing to these issues. Additionally, the use of crackers, despite permissions for 'green crackers,' has exacerbated air pollution," he added.What Preventative Measures Should One Use?The best way to protect yourself is by limiting your outdoor timings, especially during the early morning hours and at the night. Smog is at its lowest during the afternoon. Furthermore, using an N-95 respirator could protect you from the minute pollutant particles in the air. N-95 is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles, notes the FDA. This is what makes it fit for use during high levels of pollution.The edges of N-95 are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. Some models even have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce the heat build-up.As per a 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging, the N-95 mask could block "at least 95% of very small test particles". Read More: Which Mask To Wear For Best Protection?What Does AQI Mean?As per the Central Pollution Control Board, here's how the data on AQI can be interpreted0-50 is considered ‘good’ 51-100 is considered ‘satisfactory’101-200 is considered ‘moderate’201-300 is considered ‘poor’301-400 is considered ‘very poor’401-500 is considered ‘severe’Delhi AQI as of 7amAlipur, Delhi (DPCC) - 309.00Anand Vihar, Delhi (DPCC) - 430.00Ashok Vihar, Delhi (DPCC) - 369.00Aya Nagar, Delhi (IMD) - 272.00Bawana, Delhi (DPCC) - 390.00Burari Crossing, Delhi (IMD) - 344.00CRRI Mathura Road, Delhi (IMD) - 330.00Chandni Chowk, Delhi (IITM) - 376.00DTU, Delhi (CPCB) - 266.00Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Delhi (DPCC) - 317.00Dwarka-Sector 8, Delhi (DPCC) - 301.00IGI Airport (T3), Delhi (IMD) - 269.00IHBAS, Dilshad Garden, Delhi (CPCB) - 310.00ITO, Delhi (CPCB) - 329.00Jahangirpuri, Delhi (DPCC) - 370.00Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi (DPCC) - 304.00

delhi’s air quality slips back to ‘very poor’; toxic air could cause acute health effects, warns aiims doctor

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