High court expresses concern over air pollution levels in Delhi, questions measures being taken.

Air pollution in Delhi and other parts of North India is once again posing a serious health threat. Due to toxic particles in the air, people experience difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, throat irritation, and hoarseness.

To illustrate the seriousness of the problem, a comparison is often used: inhaling toxic air is equivalent to smoking 30 cigarettes a day. Although this comparison is alarming, it has a scientific basis, even though the chemical impact of polluted air and tobacco smoke is not identical.

On November 5th, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi for 24 hours was 369, which falls into the 'Very Poor' category. At some monitoring stations, the AQI exceeded 400, and at night, the air in 22 centers was classified as 'Severe.'

The basis for this comparison is the pollutant PM2.5. These are extremely fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or less. They are so small that they can bypass the natural protective barriers of the nose and throat and penetrate deep into the lungs. Some of these particles can reach the pulmonary blood vessels, causing inflammation and other biological reactions in the body.

Scientists from Berkeley Earth conducted a comparison of health risks from exposure to PM2.5 and smoking. According to their calculations, exposure to PM2.5 at a level of 22 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours is equivalent to about one cigarette per day. At a PM2.5 level of 660 micrograms per cubic meter, this comparison increases to approximately 30 cigarettes per day.

It is important to note that an AQI level between 401–500 in India does not necessarily mean that a person is inhaling pollution equivalent to 30 cigarettes. The 'Severe' category in India can occur at a PM2.5 level of 250 micrograms per cubic meter or higher. AQI is determined by eight pollutants, and the worst indicator determines the final AQI. Therefore, for an accurate comparison with cigarettes, the actual PM2.5 level and duration of exposure must be known.

The key point is that there is no direct or official conversion between AQI and cigarettes. The aforementioned comparison is a rough scientific estimate based solely on the amount of PM2.5 and 24-hour exposure. Since India's AQI is calculated based on multiple pollutants, one cannot conclude the number of equivalent cigarettes inhaled based only on the AQI.

PM2.5 in polluted air is not just dust; it includes smoke from transport and industry, particles formed during the burning of coal and diesel fuel, as well as pollutants from the burning of straw and waste, and chemically formed microparticles.

When a person inhales air, these particles reach the lungs through the respiratory tract. The body's immune system recognizes them as an external threat and reacts. This can lead to inflammation in the lungs and airways, causing symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these particles can reduce lung function, increase airway inflammation, and exacerbate asthma and other respiratory diseases. With prolonged exposure, the risk of irreversible lung damage increases.

The medical condition of hoarseness or voice loss is called Hoarseness or Dysphonia. It occurs due to the vibration of the two vocal cords in the larynx. When we speak, air from the lungs helps these cords vibrate. Pollutants and gases, such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide, can irritate the sensitive surfaces of the throat and larynx. This causes irritation, dryness, and inflammation. Laryngeal inflammation disrupts the normal vibration of the vocal cords, resulting in a low, raspy, or weak voice. Sometimes a person feels pain when speaking and the need to constantly cough.

Thus, hoarseness on polluted days is not always a sign of a common cold. One cannot state that pollution is always the cause; other possible causes may include viral infections, allergies, acid reflux, and smoking.

Both cigarettes and polluted air can contain PM2.5 microparticles. Both substances are capable of enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Oxidative stress is a condition where the balance between harmful free radicals and antioxidants that control them is disrupted.

However, there are differences between them. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, carbon monoxide, and numerous carcinogenic substances. Whereas polluted air includes dust, industrial emissions, transport smoke, and particles formed during combustion.

The air in the capital city of Delhi has become extremely polluted this season. On Monday morning, a thick haze hung over the city, and pollution levels sharply increased. Although previous rains provided some relief, the air once again turned toxic.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), at 7:05 AM on Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 349, which falls into the 'very poor' category. The average daily AQI on Sunday was 261 (poor), while the day before that it was 117 (moderate). On Friday after the rain, the AQI dropped to 60, marking the cleanest day in October in four years, but the situation worsened again.

Ninety-eight percent of the available data was collected from 58 out of 59 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi. At 36 of these stations, the air was in the 'very poor' category. The Jahangirpuri station was the only one where the AQI reached 417 and entered the 'hazardous' category. Five stations showed a 'moderate' level, and the rest were classified as 'poor.'

In the morning, PM2.5 was the main pollutant at most stations. PM2.5 was the primary source of pollution at 51 of the 58 stations, and PM10 at the remaining seven. CPCB defines air quality as follows: 0-50 — good, 51-100 — satisfactory, 101-200 — moderate, 201-300 — poor, 301-400 — very poor, and 401-500 — hazardous.

According to NASA satellite observations, 1394 instances of field burning were detected in Punjab and Haryana between November 1 and November 1: 1249 in Punjab and 145 in Haryana. Only 171 fires were registered on November 1. Last year, 1861 fires were detected during a similar period. However, this data does not reflect the full picture, as most straw is now burned in the evening. In 2025, about 98 percent of fires occurred after 3:00 PM, compared to 94 percent in 2024. Since the satellite passes around 1:30 PM, evening fires often go unnoticed. These burnings are one of the main external factors affecting the air in Delhi.

The rise in AQI is due to a combination of several scientific reasons. Firstly, there are local pollution sources: vehicle exhaust, factories, construction work, and road dust release pollutants daily. Rain washed away these substances, but as soon as the rain stopped, these sources became active again. Secondly, a significant factor is the smog from straw burning in Punjab and Haryana, which is carried by the wind into Delhi-NCR. Thirdly, and this is a very important factor, are adverse weather conditions. Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya noted that the wind is blowing from the northwest and has a very low speed, meaning it is calm. With calm winds, pollutants do not disperse and remain in the air for a long time. During winter, temperature inversion is often observed, where the air near the ground remains cold, and a warm layer forms above it. This layer prevents pollutants from rising, causing them to accumulate near the ground surface. PM2.5 particles are very small and can penetrate the lungs, coming from transport, burning, and industry. When the wind is still, these particles easily accumulate, and the AQI rises quickly. With the approach of Diwali, the use of fireworks and burning may intensify pollution.

Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya warned that the smog season has begun. Most sensors in Delhi-NCR show an AQI above 300, and at night in many places, it approaches 400-500. With calm winds from the northwest, all emissions will remain in the atmosphere for a long time. Favorable weather conditions are not expected for the next seven to ten days, which means a possible further intensification of smog. This year, Delhi last recorded 'very poor' air quality on February 11, when the average AQI was 305; before that, on February 4, it reached 339. The worsening situation in early November is causing concern.

The government is implementing measures to combat smog and is carrying out pollution control measures. Fines amounting to millions of rupees have been imposed in a single day, and many vehicles have been impounded. However, long-term relief is only possible with a reduction in field fires, decreased transport emissions, and favorable weather conditions. Citizens are advised to spend less time outdoors in the morning and evening, use masks, and pay special attention to children and the elderly. Home air purifiers can help. The air in Delhi reached the 'very poor' category for the first time this season. After the relief from the rains, pollution took over again. Straw burning, local emissions, and adverse weather jointly increase the AQI. From a scientific point of view, calm wind and temperature keep pollutants near the ground. The situation may worsen in the coming days. Only caution and collective efforts can bring relief.