As Delhi turns into gas chamber, experts warn of ‘remodelling of lungs’ among infants

In several parts of Delhi-NCR, the air quality has plummeted to dangerous levels, reaching the ‘severe’ category. This alarming situation has doctors deeply concerned, especially for pregnant women and infants.

Dr Dhiren Gupta, a senior pediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, highlighted the risk, stating that pollution in Delhi has a more significant impact on young children compared to adults. He emphasised that exposure to pollution during pregnancy increases the chances of newborns developing allergies later in life. Dr Gupta pointed out that pollution affects not only people with existing allergies or asthma but also healthy individuals, given the deteriorating air quality in the city.

As per the reports by Dr Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director of Chest and Respiratory Diseases at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, shared the rise in patients, indicating a 20-30% increase in the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD) visits due to worsening air quality. He urged people to wear masks, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy diet to protect themselves.

He described the situation as a “gas chamber,” highlighting the immediate impact on people’s eyes and throats upon exposure to the toxic air. Dr Nayar emphasized that the poisonous air affects every organ in the body, underlining the urgency of taking precautions.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels: 498 in Mundka, 491 in Jahangirpuri, 486 in RK Puram, and 473 at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3) on Friday morning. These high AQI readings indicate severe air pollution, making it crucial for everyone, especially vulnerable groups like pregnant women and infants, to take necessary measures to stay safe and minimize exposure to polluted air.