Doctors advise N95 masks, indoor exercise, air purifiers amid high pollution in Delhi

With Delhi continuing to battle elevated pollution levels, doctors on Tuesday advised residents to wear properly fitted N95 masks outdoors, avoid morning and evening walks, shift exercise indoors and use air purifiers at home to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

Health experts particularly cautioned children, people above 60 years of age and those suffering from respiratory, cardiac and kidney-related ailments, warning that prolonged exposure to polluted air could aggravate existing medical conditions.

The advisories came as Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to 299 on Tuesday from 344 on Monday, moving from the 'very poor' to the 'poor' category.

𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝟵𝟱 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀

Dr Abhinav Bhanot, director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Medanta Hospital, advised residents to use properly fitted N95 masks that cover both the nose and mouth instead of relying on ordinary masks.

He said people who regularly exercise outdoors during early morning or evening hours should reconsider their routines, as smog and pollutants can become concentrated during these periods.

Bhanot suggested shifting outdoor activities to later in the morning, when sunlight may help improve atmospheric conditions, while emphasising that residents should check air quality levels before stepping outside.

"People should avoid outdoor exercise when the AQI is high and opt for indoor workouts at a gym or home. Once the AQI drops below 200, they can consider resuming outdoor activities," he said.

He also recommended installing high-quality air purifiers at home, particularly in rooms frequently occupied by children and elderly family members.

Maintaining adequate hydration and consuming green vegetables were among his other suggestions for supporting general health during periods of elevated pollution.

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻, 𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸

Dr Randeep Guleria, chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Medanta, said older adults, children and people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, heart disease and kidney ailments were particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution.

He advised residents to minimise unnecessary outdoor exposure, especially when smog is visible and air quality remains poor.

"People should try to stay indoors as much as possible. If there is fog, smog and poor AQI, they should avoid going outdoors. Work from home, if possible, and avoid outdoor walks and jogging. Exercise indoors where the air quality is good," Guleria said.

He stressed that individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should continue taking their prescribed medicines regularly.

Those experiencing breathing difficulties, persistent cough, chest tightness, unusual drowsiness or lethargy should consult a doctor rather than ignore the symptoms, he added.

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀

Explaining the seasonal deterioration in Delhi's air quality, Guleria said falling temperatures during winter restrict the dispersal of pollutants, causing them to accumulate closer to the ground.

He said construction dust, vehicular emissions and smoke from crop residue burning, which disperse more readily under favourable atmospheric conditions, tend to remain trapped near the surface during winter.

This increases people's exposure to particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.

Guleria said pollution levels were already elevated before Diwali and had worsened further because of firecracker emissions, increased vehicular movement and other activities associated with the festival.

While firecrackers can cause a sharp rise in pollution, their immediate impact generally subsides within a day or two, he said.

However, the broader winter pollution problem persists because of multiple emission sources and unfavourable meteorological conditions.

𝗔𝗤𝗜 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟵𝟵

Delhi recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 299 on Tuesday, compared with 344 on Monday, indicating an improvement in overall air quality.

The national capital's air quality had remained in the 'very poor' category until Monday before moving into the 'poor' range.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 are expected to decline over the next two days.

Of the 58 monitoring stations that reported data on Tuesday, 28 recorded 'very poor' air quality, another 28 registered 'poor' levels and two reported 'moderate' air quality.

No monitoring station recorded air quality in the 'severe' category.

PM10 was identified as the predominant pollutant in the national capital on Tuesday.

Despite the improvement in AQI, doctors advised residents to continue taking precautions, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups, as pollution levels remained high enough to pose health risks.