Post by : Saif Rahman

Air pollution across Delhi and its neighbouring regions has surged to levels that pose clear hazards to public health. Physicians say the minute particles in polluted air are not limited to lung damage; they can also affect the heart and brain, turning everyday breathing into a potential health threat.

Dr. Niranjan Hiremath, a senior cardiac surgeon at Apollo Hospital in Delhi, cautions that PM2.5 — tiny particulate matter able to penetrate deep into the lungs — can pass into the circulatory system. Once in the bloodstream, these particles trigger inflammation of arterial walls, which may obstruct blood flow and promote clot formation. That process substantially raises the likelihood of heart attacks, including among people who appear young and fit.

According to Dr. Hiremath, polluted air places an extra burden on cardiac function. Individuals with pre-existing hypertension, elevated cholesterol or hardened arteries face even greater danger. The particles irritate the inner lining of vessels, and cumulative injury causes arteries to narrow and lose elasticity, impeding the heart's ability to circulate blood. Clinicians warn that persistent exposure is linked to coronary artery disease, stroke and sudden cardiac events. They advise limiting outdoor exertion during polluted periods, wearing appropriate masks, and supporting policies that cut emissions to protect cardiovascular health.

Harm is not confined to the heart. Dr. Biplab Das, a neurologist at Narayana Hospital in Gurugram, explains that chronic inhalation of polluted air can produce neuroinflammation — damaging neuronal networks and altering neurotransmitter balance. This inflammatory process and oxidative stress can impair cognition and memory and is associated with a higher risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In children, sustained exposure can hinder brain development and has been linked to increased incidence of developmental disorders, including autism spectrum and attention-deficit hyperactivity conditions.

Mental health effects are also emerging. Clinical psychologist Dr. Shilpi Saraswat of Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru notes that long-term exposure to poor air quality correlates with higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Young people are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing. Over time, polluted environments have been associated with a range of psychiatric and emotional issues, from mood disorders to sleep disruption and lower overall productivity.

Medical experts agree that reducing exposure is the most practical defence. Recommendations include staying indoors when air quality deteriorates, using home air purifiers, and wearing certified anti-pollution masks outdoors. Schools should postpone outdoor programs on high-pollution days. Policymakers are urged to adopt stronger measures to curb emissions, expand cleaner energy use, enhance public transport and increase urban tree cover to lower pollutant concentrations.

The deteriorating Air Quality Index in Delhi underscores that pollution is now a pressing public health emergency rather than merely an environmental concern. The potential consequences span cardiac events, cognitive decline and worsening mental health. Experts such as Dr. Hiremath emphasise that public awareness and immediate steps to reduce exposure are vital — simple actions like checking AQI, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during peaks and advocating for cleaner urban policies can make a difference.

The message from clinicians is unequivocal: the air we inhale affects every major organ. Protecting health requires coordinated action by individuals, communities and governments to reduce pollution and shield current and future generations.