On May 15, Delhi-NCR woke up with a thick layer of smoke, many have felt the change instantly with their eyes getting dry, and facing difficulties while breathing. Photos too have come up from different parts of the capital, including the national capital region, including Noida and Gurugram that showed a thick layer of dust in the surrounding. The AQI has crossed 500 in certain places. Air quality in Delhi deteriorated sharply overnight, with the AQI hitting 249 by 10 AM—classified as “poor”—as per SAFAR data. In several parts of Delhi-NCR, real-time AQI readings exceeded 500, falling into the “hazardous” category. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), strong dust-laden winds that began around 10 PM on Wednesday stirred up significant particulate matter, particularly PM10, triggering the sudden surge in pollution.IMD scientist Krishna Mishra noted that by 9AM, the visibility had slightly improved to 1,500 metres with westerly winds at 10 km/hr, and said that further gradual improvement is expected as the day progresses.Despite signs of improvement, the air quality remains hazardous—posing serious risks to children, the elderly, and people with existing respiratory issues. Even healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms such as eye irritation, sore throat, and difficulty breathing.Air Pollution Problem In IndiaLast month Health and Me reported the air pollution crisis India is facing, as it had surpassed the safety levels set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This has posed a grave public health threat across the country. Not is it a concern for the capital city of Delhi, but for rest of the country too. The Director of WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. Dr Maria Neira, recently also emphasized that while New Delhi gets the most media attention, especially during the winters, the problem extends far beyond its borders."There is a study which shows that we always focus on New Delhi when it comes to pollution, but I am afraid it is almost all of India where WHO standards on AQI are not implemented," pointed out Dr Neira.India's air pollution is not just a seasonal or a regional problem. It is a year-round crisis that impacts vast sections of the population. As per the WHO guidelines, brief exposure to high levels of air pollutants can cause serious health problems. However, in India, several regions frequently record Air Quality Index (AQI) levels that are beyond safe limits.Another report by University of Chicago revealed that air pollution is reducing the life expectancy of Delhi residents by 7.8 years. As per a US-based NGO report by the Health Effects Institute, there has been 30 to 50% increase in lung cancer rates associated with pollutants. A recent 2024 study also revealed that air pollution is not just linked to lung cancer but it can also cause head and neck cancer."Head and neck cancer is a harder link to show, and it has a much lower occurrence than lung cancers, but since they also occur as a result of smoking, similar to lung cancers, we wanted to explore any connections," said John Cramer, the study's lead researcher. "Presumably, the link to head and neck cancer comes from what we breathe to that material affecting the lining in the head and neck. We see a lot of occurrences of where carcinogens touch or pool in the body to where cancers can occur," he explained.Tata Memorial Hospital published a study in July that revealed most people who had lung cancer in India never smoked.On average, if you smoke a cigarette, you consume 1-2 milligram of nicotine. With nicotine, you are smoking somewhere between 7,000 to 8,000 different chemicals, which can cause cancer. These chemicals include carbon monoxide, nickel, PAHs, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and many more such chemicals that also constitute air pollution.So, What Can You Do To Safeguard Yourself Against The Air Pollution Crisis?Gurugram-based pulmonologist and a member of DocTube, Dr Vivek Nangia suggests it is best to avoid going outside. However, if you must go out, it is best to go during the noon, as pollution levels are at the lowest during that time. There are certain things you can do after you reach home to cleanse yourself from pollution.Make sure the air purifier is turned on once you are at home. Wash your hands, and your face, and take a glass of warm water, mix some salt in it and gargle with it. This will cleanse your trachea, that helps you transport air in and out of your lungs.Experts also suggest consuming warm fluids, like green tea, herbal teas or soup. He also recommends to eat food rich in vitamin C as it has antioxidants and can help in reducing inflammation and protect mucous membranes in the throat and sinuses.