Thick smog blanketed India’s capital on Tuesday (October 21), a day after millions celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali with fireworks that pushed air pollution to dangerous levels across the city. People in New Delhi kept bursting firecrackers late into Monday night, filling the air with smoke and fine particles. These mixed with the usual seasonal pollution and still weather conditions, creating a hazardous atmosphere. By Tuesday morning, the city’s Air Quality Index had crossed 350 in several neighborhoods, classified as “severe” and unsafe to breathe according to the World Health Organization’s recommended daily exposure limits. With pollution levels this high, is it truly safe for senior citizens, or anyone, to go for their usual morning walks?Delhi Air Quality Reaches ‘Severe Category’Air pollution occurs when harmful substances like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other toxic gases contaminate the air, affecting both health and the environment. After Diwali, pollution often spikes due to widespread firecracker use, which releases large amounts of smoke and fine toxic particles. Cooler temperatures and low wind during this season trap these pollutants near the ground, forming thick smog. This makes outdoor activities, such as walking, risky, especially for those with respiratory issues, allergies, or heart conditions.Data shows that the average AQI hit 451 early on October 21, 1.8 times above the national average as pollution soared after the festive celebrations. Later, the city’s AQI improved slightly to 352 by 9 am, falling into the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Bureau (CPCB). Several areas were still in the red zone, with readings like Wazirpur (435), Dwarka (422), Ashok Vihar (445), and Anand Vihar (440), all recording ‘severe’ pollution levels.Should You Go For Morning Walks After Diwali Week Amid High Air Pollution?Health experts strongly advise against going for morning walks in the week following Diwali, as air pollution tends to peak during this period. Staying indoors is the safest option to protect your health from toxic particles. Instead, exercise inside your home, postpone outdoor walks until air quality improves, and wear an N95 mask if you must step out for short periods. Morning walks in heavily polluted air are particularly risky, as cooler temperatures and low wind trap pollutants near the ground. Walking in such conditions increases inhalation of PM2.5 and PM10, as well as harmful gases, which can irritate the lungs, worsen asthma, trigger shortness of breath, and raise the risk of long-term heart and lung problems. Children, older adults, and anyone with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.How Does Exposure To Severe AQI Affect Your Lungs And Heart?Dr. Manav Manchanda, Director of Respiratory Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at Asian Hospital, explains that fine air pollution particles (PM2.5 and PM10) bypass the nose and throat, reaching deep into the lungs. This can cause inflammation, excess mucus, chest tightness, and coughing, even in healthy individuals. People with asthma or allergies may experience worsened symptoms, while others may notice shortness of breath or reduced lung capacity after outdoor activity.Air pollution also affects the heart, triggering inflammation in blood vessels, raising blood pressure, and causing palpitations. Dr Manchanda said, "Even short-term exposure to high AQI can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in vulnerable individuals. Watch for early signs like dry cough, sore throat, eye irritation, fatigue, or unusual chest discomfort, as these indicate the body reacting to toxic air."Tips To Stay Safe After Inhaling ‘Severe’ Air PollutionLiving in severe air pollution can make you feel breathless or create a heavy sensation in your chest. You may also experience persistent allergies such as colds, constant sneezing, or coughing. Air pollution can even affect mental health, weaken immunity, and make you more prone to fever. To protect yourself:Check which areas have better air quality, whether indoors or outdoors. Use an AQI app or monitor for outdoor levels, and an indoor air quality monitor for home safety. Your lungs need breaks from constant exposure to dust and pollutants.Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated is crucial after breathing polluted air. You can also sip natural teas like green tea, turmeric, or ginger water, which are rich in antioxidants. Research from the NIH suggests water can help reduce inflammation caused by pollution.Keep yourself clean and comfortable: Fine dust clings to your clothes and hair, prolonging exposure. Take a shower as soon as possible, change into fresh clothes, and try breathing exercises. You can also use a saline spray to cleanse your nasal passages.Monitor your symptoms: Rest and watch for heaviness in the chest, continuous coughing, runny nose, headaches, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These could signal health effects from pollution exposure.Don’t ignore warning signs: If you notice any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Early attention can prevent serious health complications. Explain your symptoms fully to receive appropriate treatment.
Email
Google
Facebook Email Google Facebook